head trauma work up

Question 1

you have a non seizuring head trauma patient. what are your initial steps

Answer 1

ABCs, evaluate neuro status (MGCS), fluid therapy and O2 supplementation.

Question 2

MGCS is below 8, what do you do

Answer 2

decrease ICP: mannitol or hypertonic saline and elevate the head.

Question 3

you have a low MGCS and have tried to decrease ICP with no change in score. what do you do

Answer 3

tier three: surgical decompression, treat hyperventilation and hypothermia

QOL discussion

Question 4

you start decreasing ICP for you MGCS 7 patient. their score improves, what do you do

Answer 4

monitor over 72 hours. and repeat MGCS every 6 hours, if goes low again repeat icp protocol

Question 5

how do we lower ICP

Answer 5

mannitol or hypertonoic saline and elevating the head.