Nursing consideration in acute spinal cord injury.

The nurse who cares for the SCI patient during the acute phase provides the assessment, implementation of routine care, and critical interventions necessary for survival. Although this group of patients requires the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team for rehabilitation, it is the ICU nurse during the acute phase of care who lays the groundwork necessary for the patient to attain an optimal level of function. Care of the acutely ill SCI patient is a challenge that constantly demands innovative, individualized professional nursing care.