Ch 33 Trauma to the Head, Neck, and Spine

Question 1

Provides overall control of thought, sensation, and the body’s voluntary and involuntary motor functions; components: brain, spinal cord, and nerves

Answer 1

Nervous system

Question 2

The brain and spinal cord

Answer 2

Central nervous system

Question 3

The nerves that enter and exit the spinal cord between the vertebrae, the 12 pairs of cranial nerves that travel between the brain and organs without passing through the spinal cord, and all of the body’s other motor and sensory nerves

Answer 3

Peripheral nervous system

Question 4

Controls involuntary functions

Answer 4

Autonomic nervous system

Question 5

The body structure making up the forehead, top, back, and upper sides of the skul

Answer 5

Cranium

Question 6

Bones forming part of the sides of the skull and the floor of the cranial cavity

Answer 6

Temporal bones

Question 7

The lower jawbone

Answer 7

Mandible

Question 8

The movable joint between the mandible and the temporal bone

Answer 8

Temporomandibular joint (aka TMJ)

Question 9

The two fused bones forming the upper jaw

Answer 9

Maxillae

Question 10

The bones that form the upper third, or bridge, of the nose

Answer 10

Nasal bones

Question 11

The cheekbone

Answer 11

Malar (aka zygomatic bone)

Question 12

The body structures around the eyes (the eye sockets)

Answer 12

Orbits

Question 13

The opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes from the brain

Answer 13

Foramen magnum

Question 14

The fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord

Answer 14

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 15

The bones of the spinal column

Answer 15

Vertebrae (singular: vertebra)

Question 16

The bony bump on a vertebra

Answer 16

Spinous process

Question 17

Mild closed head injury without detectable damage to the brain; complete recovery is usually expected, but effects may linger for weeks, months, or even years

Answer 17

Concussion

Question 18

In brain injuries, a bruised brain caused when the force of a blow to the head is great enough to rupture blood vessels

Answer 18

Contusion

Question 19

In brain injuries, a cut to the brain

Answer 19

Laceration

Question 20

In a head injury, a collection of blood within the skull or brain

Answer 20

Hematoma

Question 21

Pressure inside the skull

Answer 21

Intracranial pressure (ICP)

Question 22

A distinct pattern of breathing characterized by quickening and deepening respirations followed by a period of apnea

Answer 22

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

Question 23

A pattern of rapid and deep breathing caused by injury to the brain

Answer 23

Central neurogenic hyperventilation

Question 24

A pattern of irregular and unpredictable breathing commonly caused by brain injury

Answer 24

Ataxic respirations

Question 25

Pushing of a portion of the brain downward toward the foramen magnum as a result of increased ICP

Answer 25

Herniation

Question 26

Flexing the arms and wrists and extending the legs and feet (inward)

Answer 26

Decorticate posturing

Question 27

Extension of the arms (outward, thumbs down) with the shoulders rotated inward and the legs extended

Answer 27

Decerebrate posturing

Question 28

A bubble of air in the bloodstream

Answer 28

Air embolism

Question 29

A blockage in the blood circulation of the lung caused by a blood clot or air bubble

Answer 29

Pulmonary air embolism

Question 30

An area of the skin that is innervated by a single spinal nerve

Answer 30

Dermatome

Question 31

Hypoperfusion caused by nerve paralysis that sometimes develops from spinal cord injuries

Answer 31

Neurogenic shock

Question 32

Limiting the movement of the spine to prevent additional injury

Answer 32

Spinal motion restriction