Exam 4 nsg 4100 Questions with Detailed Verified
Answers
What are common causes of head injuries? Ans: Sports and motor vehicle collisions
(MVCs).
What are the signs of a basal skull fracture? Ans: Battle sign (hematoma at ear),
raccoon eyes (periorbital hematoma), and CSF leakage from ears/nose.
What is diabetes insipidus and how is it related to head trauma? Ans: A deficiency of
antidiuretic hormone due to trauma to the pituitary gland, leading to dilute urine
(polyuria), polydipsia, and dehydration.
What is the significance of a depressed skull fracture? Ans: It requires surgery within
24 hours.
What does a GCS score of 12 indicate? Ans: The patient opens eyes to pain, is
confused, and obeys commands.
What vital sign change should concern a nurse after one hour for a head injury patient?
Ans: A blood pressure of 156/60.
What requires immediate attention in a patient with multiple injuries from an MVC?
Ans: A deviated trachea.
What is a key nursing intervention for a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Ans:
Maintain the head of bed (HOB) at 30-40 degrees.
What does 'doll's eyes' indicate in a neuro assessment? Ans: Eyes moving in the
opposite direction of head movement indicate intact brainstem function.
What characterizes a contusion in the brain? Ans: Bruising and damage in a specific
area due to severe acceleration-deceleration force or blunt trauma.
What is an epidural hematoma? Ans: Bleeding between the dura and inner surface of
the skull, considered a medical emergency.
, What should be monitored in a patient with suspected diabetes insipidus after a head
injury? Ans: Urine output, which may exceed 30 mL/hr.
What indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)? Ans: Dilated, nonreactive pupils
and abnormal vital signs.
What is the appropriate position for a patient with increased ICP? Ans: Elevate the
head of the bed (HOB) to 30-45 degrees.
What medication is commonly used to manage increased ICP? Ans: Mannitol, an
osmotic diuretic.
What is Cushing's triad? Ans: A clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension,
bradycardia, and irregular respirations.
What is a common post-operative complication of craniotomy? Ans: CSF leak, which
requires physician notification.
What is the first priority in managing a patient with a concussion? Ans: Monitor for
changes in neurological status.
What should be avoided in a patient post-craniotomy? Ans: Head rotation and
activities that increase ICP, such as valsalva maneuvers.
What is the nursing intervention for a patient with a suspected epidural hematoma?
Ans: Close monitoring of neurological status.
What is the recommended action if a patient exhibits new onset restlessness after a
brain injury? Ans: Notify the physician immediately.
What is the role of antibiotics in bacterial meningitis? Ans: Broad-spectrum antibiotics
are administered to treat the infection.
What population is at higher risk for cryptococcal meningitis? Ans: Patients with AIDS,
as it is an opportunistic fungal infection.
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
Answers
What are common causes of head injuries? Ans: Sports and motor vehicle collisions
(MVCs).
What are the signs of a basal skull fracture? Ans: Battle sign (hematoma at ear),
raccoon eyes (periorbital hematoma), and CSF leakage from ears/nose.
What is diabetes insipidus and how is it related to head trauma? Ans: A deficiency of
antidiuretic hormone due to trauma to the pituitary gland, leading to dilute urine
(polyuria), polydipsia, and dehydration.
What is the significance of a depressed skull fracture? Ans: It requires surgery within
24 hours.
What does a GCS score of 12 indicate? Ans: The patient opens eyes to pain, is
confused, and obeys commands.
What vital sign change should concern a nurse after one hour for a head injury patient?
Ans: A blood pressure of 156/60.
What requires immediate attention in a patient with multiple injuries from an MVC?
Ans: A deviated trachea.
What is a key nursing intervention for a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Ans:
Maintain the head of bed (HOB) at 30-40 degrees.
What does 'doll's eyes' indicate in a neuro assessment? Ans: Eyes moving in the
opposite direction of head movement indicate intact brainstem function.
What characterizes a contusion in the brain? Ans: Bruising and damage in a specific
area due to severe acceleration-deceleration force or blunt trauma.
What is an epidural hematoma? Ans: Bleeding between the dura and inner surface of
the skull, considered a medical emergency.
, What should be monitored in a patient with suspected diabetes insipidus after a head
injury? Ans: Urine output, which may exceed 30 mL/hr.
What indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)? Ans: Dilated, nonreactive pupils
and abnormal vital signs.
What is the appropriate position for a patient with increased ICP? Ans: Elevate the
head of the bed (HOB) to 30-45 degrees.
What medication is commonly used to manage increased ICP? Ans: Mannitol, an
osmotic diuretic.
What is Cushing's triad? Ans: A clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension,
bradycardia, and irregular respirations.
What is a common post-operative complication of craniotomy? Ans: CSF leak, which
requires physician notification.
What is the first priority in managing a patient with a concussion? Ans: Monitor for
changes in neurological status.
What should be avoided in a patient post-craniotomy? Ans: Head rotation and
activities that increase ICP, such as valsalva maneuvers.
What is the nursing intervention for a patient with a suspected epidural hematoma?
Ans: Close monitoring of neurological status.
What is the recommended action if a patient exhibits new onset restlessness after a
brain injury? Ans: Notify the physician immediately.
What is the role of antibiotics in bacterial meningitis? Ans: Broad-spectrum antibiotics
are administered to treat the infection.
What population is at higher risk for cryptococcal meningitis? Ans: Patients with AIDS,
as it is an opportunistic fungal infection.
© Get it right 2025 Getaway - Stuvia US All rights reserved
