Head trauma

Question 1

Basilar skull

Answer 1

Floor of skull

Question 2

Purpose of CSF

(2)

Answer 2

1. protects brain/spinal column against impact
2. Combating infection

Question 3

Meninges Layers

(4)

Answer 3

1. Dura Mater
2. Archnoid
3. Subarachnoid space
4. Pia Mater

Question 4

Epidural bleed

Answer 4

Bleeding between Dura Mater and skull

Question 5

Subdural bleed

Answer 5

Bleeding beneath the Dura Mater

Question 6

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer 6

Bleeding between the arachnoid membrane and surface of brain

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Question 7

3 Parts of brain

Answer 7

1. Cerebrum (conscious/sensory, emotions, personality)
2. Cerebellum (Muscle activity, equilibrium, reflexs)
3. Brainstem (Automatic functions, connects brain to spinal cord)

Question 8

Cushings reflex

Answer 8

1. Increased SBP
2. Decreased HR
   3.abnormal breathing

Question 9

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

Answer 9

Shearing, tearing, and stretching of nerve fibers

Question 10

Concussion

Answer 10

1. Temporary los of the brains ability to function
2. A Mild DAI

Question 11

Contusion

Brain injury

Answer 11

Bruising or swelling of the brain

Question 12

Hematoma

Brain injury

Answer 12

Pooling of blod within the brain

Question 13

Laceration

Brain injury

Answer 13

Tearing of the brain tissue

Question 14

Coup/contrecoup

Answer 14

damage at point of blow to the head AND/OR damage on oppisite the blow

Question 15

Subderal hematoma

Answer 15

Blood between Dura Mater and Arachnoid Layer

Question 16

Decorticate posturing

Answer 16

1. Flexion Posturing
2. flex arms across chest and extend legs
3. Indicates upper-level brain injury

Question 17

Decerebrate Posturing

Answer 17

1. Extension Posturing
2. extends arms to sides, extends legs, arches back
3. Indicating a lower level brainstem injury

BAD NEWS BEARS

Question 18

GCS Score and head injury severity

Answer 18

14 - 15 = Mild
9 - 13 = Moderate
3 - 8 = Severe

Question 19

Ecchymosis

Define

Answer 19

• Bruise type discoloration around the eyes and behind the ears. often happens with basilar skull fractures

Question 20

Primary brain injury

Results from what?

Answer 20

• Results from durect impact, acceleration/deceleration, or a penetrating wound

Question 21

What are the two most critical conditions to prevent with a secondary brain injury

Answer 21

• Hypotension
• Hypoxemia

Question 22

Brain herniation

Define

Answer 22

• Increased ICP eventually leads to the brain being pushed through the base of the skull

Question 23

Cushings reflex

indicates what?

Answer 23

• Brain herniation

Question 24

If the pt has a subdural, epideral herniation, or brain laceration but the BP is dropping, pulse pressure is narrowing, and HR is increasing you should supect what?

Answer 24

Pt is bleeding somewhere else also

Question 25

How do you distinguish spinal fluid leaking from the ears or nose VS tears or snot?

Answer 25

• Use the glucometer and see if theres glucose in the fluid. cerebrospinal fluid has about half the glucose reading thats in the blood

Question 26

Diplopia

Define

Answer 26

• Double vision

Question 27

Retrograde amnesia

Define

Answer 27

• The patient is unable to remember circumstances leading to the incident

Question 28

Anterograde amnesia

Define

Answer 28

• The patient is unable to remember circumstances after the incident