Traumatic Brain Injury Overview

Questions and Answers

Which type of brain injury is characterized by non-physical damage to the brain?

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (correct)

Neuromuscular Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury

Cognitive Injury

Which of the following is considered a cause of non-traumatic brain injury?

Calcium deficiency (correct)

Gunshot wound

Car accident

Concussion

Which lobe of the brain is most closely associated with memory functions and is prone to anoxia?

Occipital Lobe

Temporal Lobe (correct)

Parietal Lobe

Frontal Lobe

What is a common physiological condition that may lead to toxic non-traumatic brain injury?

CO poisoning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas of the brain is least likely to be affected by anoxic injury?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

What category of TBI is indicated by a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 12?

Moderate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responses is included in the assessment of attention span?

Digital Retention Signup and view all the answers

Which sign is indicative of potential basal skull fractures?

Raccoon’s Eyes Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest possible score on the Glasgow Coma Scale?

15 Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognitive functioning is assessed through the question of 'proverb explanation'?

Abstract Thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common attachment for TBI patients?

Portable ultrasound Signup and view all the answers

What does a low motor response indicate on the Glasgow Coma Scale?

Poor prognostic factor for recovery Signup and view all the answers

Which type of catheter is commonly used in acute management of TBI patients?

Indwelling catheter Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by excessive sweating in TBI patients?

Increased sympathetic nervous system activity Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of memory includes recalling information within a 5-10 minute interval?

Immediate Recall Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in the elderly?

Falls Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI)?

TBI results from external forces, while NTBI stems from internal events. Signup and view all the answers

What type of traumatic brain injury results in a break in the skull?

Open TBI Signup and view all the answers

Which percentage accurately reflects the occurrence rate of mild traumatic brain injuries?

80% Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors can lead to traumatic brain injury?

Assault Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a head injury and a traumatic brain injury?

Head injuries do not always lead to brain injury. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of traumatic brain injuries are classified as moderate?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism for traumatic brain injury?

Stroke Signup and view all the answers

What does a normal respiratory pattern indicate?

Consistent intervals and size of breaths Signup and view all the answers

Which breathing pattern consists of increasing and then decreasing breath sizes with pauses?

Crescendo-Decrescendo Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the respiratory pattern assessment most relevant?

When a pattern of breathing is abnormal Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to assess the gag reflex in a non-intubated patient?

Touching the back of the throat with a q-tip Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the cold water calorics test?

It assesses brainstem function Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines an erratic breathing pattern?

Varying sizes and intervals of breaths Signup and view all the answers

What should you observe for when assessing spontaneous breathing?

The rate and pattern of breaths Signup and view all the answers

Which breathing pattern is characterized by a regular cycle of breaths that vary in size?

Cheyne-Stokes Signup and view all the answers

Why might the gag reflex assessment be unreliable in intubated patients?

The ET tube may suppress the gag reflex Signup and view all the answers

When is a stronger stimulus required in respiratory assessments?

When a patient is intubated Signup and view all the answers

What psychological changes might occur as a result of an accident?

Mood issues and behavioral problems Signup and view all the answers

Who typically notices the emotional lability in a patient post-accident?

Family members or relatives Signup and view all the answers

Which factor generally indicates a poorer prognosis following a traumatic brain injury?

Longer period of unconsciousness Signup and view all the answers

What initial observation may indicate cognitive impairment in a patient watching TV?

Frequent channel changing Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical first step in managing an acute case in a healthcare setting?

Familiarize with all medical attachments Signup and view all the answers

During recovery, what does open eye contact without meaningful interaction suggest?

Low cognitive function or awareness Signup and view all the answers

How might a patient's behavior change following an injury in terms of compliance?

More compliant and laid back Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of recovery might not be easily observed by relatives?

Sequence of cognitive recovery Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'affectation in communication' imply in the context of post-accident changes?

Inability to express emotions appropriately Signup and view all the answers

Why might attaching or reattaching tubes be necessary in acute cases?

To ensure essential components remain functional Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI results from external forces causing alterations in brain function.
Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (NTBI) includes internal injuries like strokes and tumors.
Distinction between head injuries and TBIs: head injuries may occur without brain damage.

Types of TBI

Open TBI: Skull is fractured, allowing penetration of brain tissue; disrupts dura mater.
Closed TBI: Skull remains intact while internal brain injury occurs.
Mild TBI: Accounts for 80% of cases, often including head contusions.
Moderate and Severe TBI: Each constitutes 10% of cases.

Epidemiology

Leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.; falls among the elderly account for a significant rise.
Key causes include being struck by objects, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and self-harm.

Subjective Examination

Gather patient demographics, chief complaints across neuromuscular, cognitive, neurobehavioral, and communication domains.
Utilize RLA (Rancho Los Amigos) Level 7 & 8 for assessing consciousness and responsiveness.

Neurological Examination Components

Evaluate orientation (person, place, time, situation) and attention span.
Assess memory through long-term memory (LTM), short-term memory (STM), and recall.
Test general information understanding, basic calculation skills, abstract thinking, and judgment.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Widely used tool to assess the severity of brain injury.
Scores range from 3 (lowest, indicating deep coma) to 15 (highest, indicating full consciousness).
Prognosis for recovery correlates with the initial GCS score, particularly motor and eye response.

Signs of Injury

Bruising around the eyes (Raccoon’s eyes/Panda bear sign) and behind the ears (Battle Sign) can indicate skull fractures.
Note any swelling and diaphoresis, which may signal increased sympathetic activation.

Respiratory Patterns

Assess breathing patterns and document if the patient is intubated or breathing spontaneously.
Recognize abnormal patterns like Cheyne-Stokes and erratic breathing and their implications.

Psychological Changes

Mood swings and behavioral issues may arise post-injury; relatives often note these changes.
Observe for lability, where patients may display unexpected emotional responses.

Cognition and Prognosis

Inquire about levels of consciousness during the injury; longer unconsciousness typically leads to poorer outcomes.
Note the sequence of recovery during assessment, such as the emergence of eye opening without cognitive function.

Objective Component

Familiarize with patient attachments (e.g., ventilators, tracheostomy tubes) in acute care settings.
Ensure proper attachment of critical elements; report any dislodgements to nursing staff promptly.

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Description

This quiz covers the essentials of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including its types, causes, and epidemiology. Explore the distinctions between TBI and non-traumatic brain injuries, as well as the significance of subjective examination. Test your understanding of this crucial health topic.