head trauma LGW

Question 1

when is endotracheal intubation needed according to the GCS ?

Answer 1

any score below 8 is in need

Question 2

which part of the primary survey is head injury addressed ?

Answer 2

in thee disability part
by checking the pupils
the GCS
and any signs of lateralization

Question 3

what are the causes of secondary brain injury ?

Answer 3

hypoxia and hypotension

Question 4

what is the target BP for patients with traumatic brain injuries ?

Answer 4

permissive hypotension is contraindicated
thee target SBP should be less than 100 in 50-69 year olds

should be less than 110 in patients who are 15-49 and older than 70

Question 5

after primary survey of a patient with head trauma what is the next best step in management ?

Answer 5

seconday survey
perform a head CT

Question 6

what is the most. common cause of epidural hematomas ?

Answer 6

injury to the middle meningeal artery

Question 7

what is the presentation of epidural hematomas ?

Answer 7

alternating between periods of lucidness and unconsciousness and then sudden deterioration

Question 8

what are the measures taken to decrease intracranial tension ?

Answer 8

anti trendelenburg position
controlled hyperventilation
mannitol
hypertonic saline

Question 9

what is the cushing reflex ?

Answer 9

a physiological reflex that occurs when there is increased intracranial pressure
irregular breathing
hypertension
bradycardia

this is a natural reflex to increase the blood pressure - don’t decrease it

Question 10

what are the indications of brain CTs ?

Answer 10

neurological deficit
GCS less than 15 for more than 2 hours
retrograde amnesia
extremes of age
severe headache
2 episodes off vomiting
signs of basal skull fracture
open skull fracture