Trauma Flashcards
(26 cards)
What causes more damage in brain injuries?
Secondary brain injury
Secondary brain injury is caused by factors such as hypoxia, hypotension, and increased intracranial pressure (ICP), making prevention of these conditions critical.
What is the classic triad of herniation?
Declining consciousness, pupillary changes, abnormal posturing
Pupillary changes often include unilateral dilation.
How do epidural hematomas present?
With a lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration
This means the patient may initially seem fine before rapidly declining.
What is the presentation of subdural hematomas?
Progressive decline
Unlike epidural hematomas, subdural hematomas show a gradual worsening of symptoms.
What determines specific deficits in spinal cord trauma?
Level of injury
Respiratory compromise occurs with injuries above C5.
What is autonomic dysreflexia?
A medical emergency in injuries above T6
It requires immediate upright positioning (≥90 degrees) and prompt identification and removal of triggers.
What does Cushing’s triad indicate?
Critical increases in intracranial pressure
It includes hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, requiring immediate intervention.
What type of injuries do blast injuries cause?
Diffuse axonal and vascular injury
They involve pressure waves that lead to widespread damage.
What effects does blunt trauma have?
Produces coup-contrecoup and rotational forces
This can lead to contusions or diffuse axonal injury (DAI).
What do penetrating injuries disrupt?
Localized brain tissue
They carry a high risk of infection due to the nature of the injury.
What is the difference between primary and secondary injury?
Primary injury = mechanical damage; secondary injury = evolving cellular damage
Secondary injury can result from hypoxia, swelling, or ischemia.
What should be monitored across all types of brain injury?
Cushing’s triad, pupillary changes, motor asymmetry
These signs help in assessing the severity of the injury.
Fill in the blank: Early nursing intervention targets ______, perfusion, and ICP control.
oxygenation
What type of skull fracture is often benign and nondisplaced?
Linear skull fractures
Linear skull fractures typically do not require surgical intervention.
What are the signs associated with basilar fractures?
Battle’s sign, raccoon eyes, CSF leak
Basilar fractures carry a risk of meningitis.
What characterizes compression fractures of the spine?
Anterior vertebral body collapse
Compression fractures may occur due to osteoporosis or trauma.
What defines burst fractures in the context of spinal injuries?
Fragment pushing into the spinal canal
Burst fractures can lead to neurological deficits.
What type of injury do Chance fractures represent?
Flexion-distraction injuries
Often associated with seatbelt trauma.
What should be assessed in spinal fractures?
Neural compression, fracture instability, CSF leaks
These assessments are crucial for determining treatment.
What are some methods to manage spinal injuries?
Flat positioning, log-rolling, external devices like collars or TLSOs
These methods help stabilize the patient.
What should be monitored in patients with spinal fractures?
Signs of infection, worsening neuro deficits, autonomic instability
Continuous monitoring is essential for patient safety.
True or False: Trauma can present with hidden fractures.
True
Hidden fractures can significantly impact a patient’s condition.
What is the difference between recognizing a fracture and understanding its neurological implications?
Recognizing a fracture is not enough; understanding its neurological meaning is crucial for intervention
This distinction is vital for neuroscience nurses.
What is the normal range for intracranial pressure (ICP)?
5-15 mmHg
ICP is a critical measurement in assessing brain health and function.
