Hi Jac and
to the forum!!!
Well I sounds like you have a Phalaenopsis, but pics would be great. (We LOVE pics
) You have to post 4 more times to be able to post pics.
As for the dropping of flowers, this is quite normal when new plants acclimate to their new home. There are a couple of threads that I highly recommend. One is the "Skewer Method For Watering". The other is the culture requirements for Phalaenopsis found under Orchid Care Cultivation of the Forum. This information will point you into the right direction.
As for the spike, unless the spike turns brown leave it. Rule of thumb is "If it's green leave it be." Spikes even though they lose the flowers can sometimes produce subspikes, therefore more buds and flowers. Also they can produce keikis. (Baby plants.
)
I hope that this information helps and if you need more just ask!!!