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Questions and Answers
What is the priority when dealing with a head injury?
A concussion can occur without the person losing consciousness.
True
List one sign of a potential head injury.
Intense headache
The three main types of head injuries are compression, concussion, and __________.
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Match the following signs/symptoms with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is a type of skull fracture?
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Raccoon eyes is a symptom of a spinal injury.
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What should be done if there is leakage of cerebral spinal fluid from the ears or nose?
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Signs of immediate head injury include temporary loss of _____________.
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Match the following signs and symptoms with their classifications (immediate or delayed):
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Which symptom is NOT associated with skull fractures?
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Facial fractures may be caused by incidents involving significant force.
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List one main type of head injury.
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Study Notes
Head, Spinal and Pelvic Injuries
- It is important to rule out head and spinal injuries in any trauma
- Support the head when beginning an assessment
- Head and spinal injuries tend to occur together and can lead to lifelong disabilities
- Always assume that a serious head injury will have an injury to the cervical spine (neck)
- With any head injury, the priority is to provide spinal motion restriction (SMR)
Types of Head Injuries
- Compression
- Concussion
- Skull fractures
- Extra attention should be brought to monitoring the patient's level of consciousness
Signs and Symptoms of Head Injuries
- Intense headache
- Paralysis or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pupil changes
- Drowsiness
- Change in behavior/personality
Assessing Pupil Reactions
- Use a penlight
- Check for PERRLA (Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation)
Concussion
- A person does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
-
Immediate:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Headache and blurred vision
- Confusion
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness, balance problems
-
Delayed:
- Thinking and memory affected
- Headaches, sensitivity to light or noise
- Change in behavior, depression
- Change in sleep patterns
Types of Skull Fractures
- Simple fracture (closed)
- Compound (open)
- Depressed fracture
- Facial fractures may be caused by incidents involving significant force
Signs and Symptoms of Skull Fractures
- Confusion, restlessness and irritability
- Bleeding from wounds (ears, nose or around eyes)
- Headache
- Drowsiness, loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
Identifying Skull Fractures
- Battle's sign: Bruising behind the ear
- Raccoon eyes: Bruising around the eyes
- Lefort: Fractures of the facial bones.
First Aid
- Head or spinal immobilization
- Ensure the airway is not compromised
- Remove any broken teeth, including loose dentures/dental appliances
- Leakage of cerebral spinal fluid and/or blood from the ears/nose – do not apply pressure; gently cover the ear/nose with a dressing and bandage
- Check for soft spots – if there are soft or unstable spots in the skull, avoid putting pressure on these sites. If there is bleeding, apply a dressing with indirect pressure. You do not want to drive sharp bone ends or debris into the brain.
Spheres of Orientation
- Person
- Place
- Time
Spinal Injury
- A spinal injury is any trauma to the spine
Airway Compromise with Facial Injuries
- Any fractures of the facial bone can lead to an airway compromise
Key Facts
- Always support the head when beginning an assessment
- Provide spinal motion restriction (SMR) for any head injuries
- Monitor the person's level of consciousness
- Do not apply pressure to leaks of cerebral spinal fluid and/or blood from the ears/nose.
- Do not put pressure on soft spots in the skull.
- Fractures of facial bones can compromise the airway.
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Description
This quiz covers essential information regarding head, spinal, and pelvic injuries, emphasizing the importance of proper assessment in trauma situations. It includes types of head injuries, their signs and symptoms, and how to effectively assess pupil reactions. Prepare to enhance your knowledge and skills in managing these critical medical conditions.
