Questions and Answers
A short backboard or vest-style immobilization device is indicated for patients who are in a sitting position and are clinically stable.
true
What is a condition where a patient cannot remember the events that preceded his or her head injury?
retrograde amnesia
Which of the following skull fractures would be the LEAST likely to present with palpable deformity or other outward signs?
What vital signs depict Cushing's triad?
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Common signs of a skull fracture include all of the following, EXCEPT:
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Once a cervical collar has been applied to a patient with a possible spinal injury, when should it be removed?
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What type of nerves allow sensory and motor impulses to be sent from one nerve directly to another?
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What part of the nervous system controls the body's voluntary activities?
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Which nerves carry information from the body to the brain via the spinal cord?
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What encases and protects the spinal cord?
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When treating a head-injured patient, how can the effectiveness of positive-pressure ventilations be determined?
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The _________ is the best-protected part of the CNS and controls the functions of the cardiac and respiratory systems.
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What should you do if you note a 19-year-old unconscious male has rapid, irregular, and shallow respirations following head trauma?
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When activated, which of the following effects is NOT produced by the sympathetic nervous system?
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Which statement regarding secondary brain injury is correct?
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What should you do during your primary assessment of a semiconscious person with closed head trauma who is exhibiting slow, shallow breathing?
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What is the tough, fibrous outer meningeal layer called?
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What may lacerations to the scalp indicate?
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Common signs and symptoms of a serious head injury include all of the following, EXCEPT:
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What should you determine when assessing a conscious patient with a mechanism of injury that suggests spinal injury?
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The _________ nervous system consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
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When immobilizing a child on a long backboard, what should you do?
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What does a temporary loss or alteration of part or all of the brain's abilities to function without physical damage to the brain MOST accurately describe?
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What is the MOST reliable sign of a head injury?
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What characterizes moderate elevation in intracranial pressure with middle brain stem involvement?
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After manual in-line stabilization of a patient's head, what should be done next?
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What is the MOST appropriate airway management for a female patient with a suspected spinal injury who is breathing with marked reduction in tidal volume?
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A tight-fitting motorcycle helmet should be left...
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Study Notes
Immobilization and Assessment
- A vest-style immobilization device is indicated for patients in a sitting position who are clinically stable.
- Cervical collars should not be removed unless they hinder airway management (ABCs).
- Assess distal neurovascular status in extremities after applying manual in-line stabilization.
Memory and Consciousness
- Retrograde amnesia occurs when a patient cannot recall events before a head injury.
- A decreased level of consciousness is the most reliable indicator of a head injury.
- Temporary loss of brain function without structural damage is termed a cerebral concussion.
Skull Fractures
- Linear skull fractures least likely to present palpable deformity or outward signs.
- Common signs of skull fractures exclude superficial scalp lacerations.
- Lacerations to the scalp may indicate deeper injuries.
Vital Signs and Brain Function
- Cushing's triad consists of blood pressure (190/110 mm Hg), pulse (55 beats/min), and respirations (30 breaths/min).
- Hypoxia and hypotension are primary causes of secondary brain injury.
- Moderate intracranial pressure elevation leads to sluggishly reactive pupils, bradycardia, and posturing.
Nervous System and Nerves
- The peripheral nervous system comprises 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
- Sensory nerves carry information from the body to the brain via the spinal cord.
- Somatic nervous system controls voluntary body activities.
- Connecting nerves allow sensory and motor impulses to transfer between nerves.
Airway Management
- Positive-pressure ventilations' effectiveness can be determined by immediate reassessment.
- In case of a patient with reduced tidal volume due to spinal injury, assist ventilations appropriately.
Miscellaneous
- The dura mater is the tough, outer meningeal layer of the brain.
- Upon assessing a conscious patient with potential spinal injury, check for equal strength in all extremities.
- If a child is immobilized on a long backboard, use padding under their shoulders.
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Description
This quiz covers essential concepts in emergency medical care, including immobilization techniques, assessment of consciousness, skull fractures, and vital signs indicative of brain function. Test your understanding of these critical topics to enhance your clinical skills in emergency situations.
