NSG 4100 Prep Questions and Answers | 2026
Update | 100% Correct.
halo sign
blood stain surrounded by a yellowish stain; highly suggestive of a cerebrospinal fluid leak
Battle's sign
Bruising behind the ears, indicative of a basilar skull fracture
Neuro exams after brain injury should include
public dilation
soft sensory response
cardinal gazes
Primary brain injury
Focal (impact), polar (brain shift) or diffuse (brain movement in cranial cavity)
Secondary brain injury
Results in ischemia, increased ICP, altered vascular regulation
Geriatric brain injury considerations
Higher mortality rates, poorer functional outcomes
Etiology of increased ICP
,swelling of brain tissue, increased blood volume, increased CSF
stroke, tumor, trauma
CM of increased ICP
first indication is usually a decreasing level of consciousness or decreased responsiveness
-Severe headache
-Vomiting
-Papilledema
- pupils unequal
Types of posturing for increased ICP
decerebrate
decorticate
flaccid
Nursing interventions for increased ICP
Seizure precautions
nutritional management
elevate head of bed
Treatment for increased ICP
, keep HOB 30, keep patient calm/quiet, avoid suctioning, avoid hip flexion, medications to
decrease
hypothermia, sedation, hypertonic solution
ICP range
5-15
CPP range
60-100
Cushing's triad
three classic signs—bradycardia, hypertension, and bradypnea—seen with pressure on the
medulla as a result of brain stem herniation
head trauma, tumor, or infection are the main causes
medical interventions for increased ICP
Osmotic diuretics (Mannitol),
hypertonic saline (3%)
Restrict fluids
Drain CSF
Control fever (decreases metabolic needs)
Maintain BP
Decrease metabolic demands: sedatives or barbiturates (comatose state)
Update | 100% Correct.
halo sign
blood stain surrounded by a yellowish stain; highly suggestive of a cerebrospinal fluid leak
Battle's sign
Bruising behind the ears, indicative of a basilar skull fracture
Neuro exams after brain injury should include
public dilation
soft sensory response
cardinal gazes
Primary brain injury
Focal (impact), polar (brain shift) or diffuse (brain movement in cranial cavity)
Secondary brain injury
Results in ischemia, increased ICP, altered vascular regulation
Geriatric brain injury considerations
Higher mortality rates, poorer functional outcomes
Etiology of increased ICP
,swelling of brain tissue, increased blood volume, increased CSF
stroke, tumor, trauma
CM of increased ICP
first indication is usually a decreasing level of consciousness or decreased responsiveness
-Severe headache
-Vomiting
-Papilledema
- pupils unequal
Types of posturing for increased ICP
decerebrate
decorticate
flaccid
Nursing interventions for increased ICP
Seizure precautions
nutritional management
elevate head of bed
Treatment for increased ICP
, keep HOB 30, keep patient calm/quiet, avoid suctioning, avoid hip flexion, medications to
decrease
hypothermia, sedation, hypertonic solution
ICP range
5-15
CPP range
60-100
Cushing's triad
three classic signs—bradycardia, hypertension, and bradypnea—seen with pressure on the
medulla as a result of brain stem herniation
head trauma, tumor, or infection are the main causes
medical interventions for increased ICP
Osmotic diuretics (Mannitol),
hypertonic saline (3%)
Restrict fluids
Drain CSF
Control fever (decreases metabolic needs)
Maintain BP
Decrease metabolic demands: sedatives or barbiturates (comatose state)
