ECare - Chapter 29 (Trauma to the Head, Neck, and Spine)

Question 1

autonomic nervous system

Answer 1

controls involuntary functions

Question 2

malar

Answer 2

cheekbone aka zygomatic bone

Question 3

parts of the skull

Answer 3

made up of cranium and facial bones

Question 4

parts of the spine

Answer 4

spinal cord and spinal column

Question 5

vertebrae

Answer 5

bones of the spinal column

Question 6

cauda equina

Answer 6

fan of nerves at end of spinal cord

Question 7

five areas of the vertebrae

Answer 7

cervical (7): neck
thoracic (12): rib
lumbar (5): midback
sacral (5): lower back
coccygeal (4): tail bone

Question 8

treatment: scalp injuries

Answer 8

treat as soft-tissue injuries, direct pressure UNLESS skull is injured (loose gauze dressing)

Question 9

open head injury

Answer 9

cranial bones are fractured

Question 10

indirect injuries to the brain

Answer 10

shock is transferred to brain (ex. concussion and contusions)

Question 11

concussion

Answer 11

mild closed head injury w/o detectable brain damage

Question 12

contusion

Answer 12

bruised brain due to ruptured blood vessels

Question 13

laceration

Answer 13

cut to the brain

Question 14

hematoma

Answer 14

collection of blood within skull/brain

Question 15

signs of concussion

Answer 15

loss of consciousness, amnesia/repetitive questioning, altered level of consciousness, slurred speech, headache, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light/noise

Question 16

coup injury

Answer 16

bruising of brain occurs on side of blow (vs. contrecoup injury)

Question 17

intracranial pressure (ICP)

Answer 17

pressure inside the skull

Question 18

signs of intracranial pressure

Answer 18

Cushing’s reflex (increasing blood pressure, slower heart rate), more CO2, dilated pupils, abnormal breathing pattern (due to brain stem compression)

Question 19

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

Answer 19

quick and deep respirations followed by apnea

Question 20

central neurogenic hyperventilation

Answer 20

rapid and deep breathing caused by injury to brain

Question 21

ataxic respirations

Answer 21

irregular and unpredictable breathing caused by brain injury

Question 22

herniation

Answer 22

pushing of portion of brain downward toward foramen magnum due to intracranial pressure

Question 23

patient care: skull fractures and brain injuries

Answer 23

1. spine injury? stabilize head and jaw-thrust maneuver
2. maintain airway
3. ventilate or nonrebreather
4. cervical collar if necessary
5. control bleeding (loose gauze dressing)
6. keep patient at rest
7. open wounds
8. shock
9. transport

Question 24

patient care: open neck wound

Answer 24

1. open airway
2. gloved hand over wound
3. occlusive dressing
4. dressing over occlusive wound
5. pressure to stop bleeding
6. immobilize spine if needed

Question 25

dermatome

Answer 25

area of body that is innervated by a single spinal nerve