Chapter 29 - Head and Spine Injuries Flashcards
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Injuries in which load is applied along the vertical or longitudinal axis of the spine, which results in load being transmitted along the entire length of the vertebral column; for example, falling from a height and landing on the feet in an upright position.
axial loading injuries
Actions of the body that are not under a person’s conscious control.
involuntary activities
Inability to remember events after an injury.
anterograde amnesia
The recommended procedure for moving a patient with a suspected spinal injury from the ground to a long backboard or other spinal precaution device.
four-person log roll
The inability to remember events leading up to a head injury.
retrograde amnesia
Bruising under the eyes that may indicate a skull fracture.
raccoon eyes (periorbital ecchymosis or the raccoon sign)
An accumulation of blood beneath the dura mater but outside the brain.
subdural hematoma
Bleeding into the subarachnoid space, where the cerebrospinal fluid circulates.
subarachnoid hemorrhage
Fractures that usually occur following diffuse impact to the head (eg, falls, motor vehicle crashes); generally result from extension of a linear fracture to the base of the skull and can be difficult to diagnose with a radiograph.
basilar skull fractures
Injury to the head often caused by a penetrating object in which there may be bleeding and exposed brain tissue.
open head injury
Swelling of the brain.
cerebral edema
Bruising behind an ear over the mastoid process that may indicate a skull fracture.
battle sign (also known as mastoid ecchymosis)
An abnormal breathing pattern associated with increased intracranial pressure that is characterized by deep, rapid breathing; this pattern is similar to Kussmaul respirations, but without an acetone breath odor.
central neurogenic hyperventilation
Three distinct layers of tissue that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord within the skull and the spinal canal.
meninges
Injury in which the brain has been injured but the skin has not been broken and there is no obvious bleeding.
closed head injury
An injury to the brain and its associated structures that is a direct result of impact to the head.
primary injury
The pressure within the cranial vault.
intracranial pressure
Bleeding within the brain tissue (parenchyma) itself; also referred to as an intraparenchymal hematoma.
intracerebral hematoma
The aftereffects of the primary injury; includes abnormal processes such as cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and infection; onset is often delayed following the primary brain injury.
secondary injury
Fractures that commonly occur in the temporoparietal region of the skull and that are not associated with deformities to the skull; account for 80% of skull fractures; also referred to as nondisplaced skull fractures.
linear skull fracture
A head position in which the patient’s eyes are looking straight ahead and the head and torso are in line.
eyes forward position
A traumatic insult to the brain capable of producing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and vocational changes.
traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A temporary loss or alteration of part or all of the brain’s abilities to function without actual physical damage to the brain.
concussion
An accumulation of blood between the skull and the dura mater.
epidural hematoma
Tough, elastic structures between adjoining vertebrae that act as shock absorbers.
intervertebral disks
Actions that we consciously perform, in which sensory input or conscious thought determines a specific muscular activity.
voluntary activities
A brain injury that occurs when force is applied to the head and energy transmission through brain tissue causes injury on the opposite side of original impact.
coup-contrecoup brain injury
Bleeding from soft-tissue injuries to the face is most effectively controlled with:
direct pressure using dry, sterile dressings.
Facial injuries should be identified and treated as soon as possible because:
of the risk for airway problems.
Frequent reassessments of the patient with face or neck injuries are most important because:
such injuries can affect the respiratory stystem.
The skin and underlying tissues of the face:
have a rich blood supply and bleed profusely.
When a light is shone into the pupil:
it should become smaller in size.
An epidural hematoma is most accurately defined as:
bleeding between the skull and dura mater.
Coordination of balance and body movement is controlled by the:
cerebellum.
Once a cervical collar has been applied to a patient with a possible spinal injury, it should not be removed unless:
it causes a problem managing the airway.
Signs and symptoms that might be found in a patient who has experienced a concussion include:
nausea and ringing in the ears.
The most reliable sign of a head injury is:
a decreased level of consciousness.