HESI Case Study - Traumatic
Brain Injury exam questions
and answers
Meet the Client: Jeff Dickson is a 17-year-old male admitted to the
emergency department via ambulance following a motor vehicle accident
(MVA). He is accompanied by his parents and two of the three friends who
were in the vehicle with him. Another friend, who was driving the vehicle,
was transported to a different hospital by LifeCare Helicopter.Upon
admission, Jeff is awake, but lethargic. He responds verbally, knows his
name, and recognizes his parents and friends. He has no memory of the
accident that just took place. Jeff's pupils are equal, round, reactive to
light, and they are 4 mm in size. He has a positive Battle's sign and has
clear drainage from his nose. He reports a headache with a numerical
rating of 4 on a 10-point scale. His initial medical diagnosis is a probable
basilar skull fracture. He is scheduled for a CT scan of the head, and he is
monitored in the emergency department until he can be transpo - answer
InjuryTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain injury that occurs when
sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can occur when the head
suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object penetrates the
skull and enters brain tissue. Depending on the extent of damage to the
brain, symptoms of TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe.A basilar skull
injury is a linear skull fracture that extends over the base of the frontal
and temporal lobes. The nurse knows that this type of fracture can cause
damage to the nerve pathways, cranial nerves, or vital centers. Jeff's vital
signs and neurologic status will be monitored frequently.Which
assessment techniques are used to determine physiological
manifestations of a traumatic brain injury?
A basilar skull injury is a linear skull fracture that extends over the base of
the frontal and temporal lobes. The nurse knows that this type of fracture
can cause damage to the nerve pathways, cranial nerves, or vital centers.
Jeff's vital signs and neurologic status will be monitored frequently.Which
assessment techniques are used to determine physiological
manifestations of a traumatic brain injury?
Check Jeff's ear cavity for leaking fluid.
, Test Jeff's ability to follow complex directions.
Observe the area around Jeff's eyes.
Observe the area behind Jeff's ears.
Assess for tinnitus or hearing difficulty. - answer Check Jeff's ear cavity
for leaking fluid.
Rationale
Otorrhea is cerebrospinal fluid leakage from the ear and generally
confirms that the fracture has traversed the dura.
Observe the area around Jeff's eyes.
Rationale
Periorbital ecchymosis, also called "raccoon eyes," is a common
manifestation of a basilar skull fracture, along with a positive Battle's
sign.
Observe the area behind Jeff's ears.
Rationale
Battle's sign refers to ecchymosis behind the ears, and it is a common
manifestation of a traumatic brain injury.
Assess for tinnitus or hearing difficulty.
Rationale
These are manifestations of a basilar skull fracture.
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