Nursing care of the patient with spinal cord injury.

The rehabilitation process must begin at the onset of illness and include not only a cure for the immediate disorders but methods of preventing further disability, the general management of convalescence, and the ultimate return of the individual to his maximum health and efficiency. As a member of the rehabilitation team the nurse must recognize the patient as a human being and emotionally accept him, maintain good interpersonal relations with other team members, know what resources are available, and help to provide continuity of care when the patient is discharged. She must counsel and guide the patient and family, know and apply good general nursing care, and understand the emotional factors in long-term care. When deformities and other complications are prevented and the patient keeps up his strength through early activities, the confinement will be shorter, the cost will be less, and the patient will return more quickly to independence.