Acute Management of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Emergency Care and Stabilization

Question 1

When initially assessing a patient with suspected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), what is the most important step?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough neurological exam

Answer

Gather a detailed medical history

Answer

Provide pain medication if needed

Answer

Restrain the patient to prevent further harm

Question 2

Which of the following is the most critical step in the initial management of a patient with suspected TBI in the emergency setting?

Accepted Answer

Performing a thorough neurological examination

Answer

Obtaining a detailed medical history

Answer

Monitoring vital signs and adjusting medications

Answer

Transporting the patient to a specialist center

Question 3

What is the primary reason for using hyperventilation in TBI management?

Accepted Answer

To reduce intracranial pressure

Answer

To reduce cerebral blood flow

Answer

To improve oxygen delivery to the brain

Answer

To maintain blood pressure

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of sedative-analgesic drugs in TBI management?

Accepted Answer

To reduce pain and agitation

Answer

To control seizures

Answer

To lower blood pressure

Answer

To prevent aspiration

Question 5

Which of the following interventions should be avoided in TBI patients with increased intracranial pressure?

Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation

Answer

Suctioning

Answer

Intubation

Answer

Mannitol administration

Question 6

In the emergency management of a patient with suspected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the top priority is:

Accepted Answer

Securing the airway and ensuring proper breathing

Answer

Performing a Head Computed Tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Intubating the patient

Answer

Administering medications

Question 7

When managing TBI patients, the main purpose of initial fluid resuscitation is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain adequate blood flow to the brain

Answer

Prevent imbalances in electrolytes

Answer

Replace blood loss

Answer

Decrease intracranial pressure

Question 8

Which medication is frequently used to manage intracranial pressure (ICP) in TBI patients?

Accepted Answer

Mannitol

Answer

Furosemide

Answer

Lidocaine

Answer

Ketamine

Question 9

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's level of consciousness

Answer

Diagnose the severity of the TBI

Answer

Predict the long-term neurological outcome

Answer

Monitor the effectiveness of treatment interventions

Question 10

A major risk factor for developing post-traumatic seizures (PTS) is:

Accepted Answer

Sustaining a severe head injury

Answer

Experiencing a penetrating brain injury

Answer

Being over 65 years old

Answer

Not having a skull fracture

Question 11

What is the primary objective of acute management in TBI?

Accepted Answer

To prevent further brain damage

Answer

To enhance cognitive function

Answer

To minimize long-term disability

Answer

To alleviate pain

Question 12

What is the initial step in managing a patient with suspected TBI?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the cervical spine

Answer

Administer analgesics

Answer

Perform a comprehensive neurological exam

Answer

Obtain a CT scan

Question 13

Which type of TBI is the most prevalent?

Accepted Answer

Concussion

Answer

Contusion

Answer

Epidural hematoma

Answer

Subdural hematoma

Question 14

Which intervention is not recommended in TBI management?

Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation

Answer

Rest

Answer

Osmotherapy

Answer

Anticonvulsants

Question 15

In the emergency assessment of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient, which imaging technique is quickly accessible and provides detailed anatomical information to detect potential intracranial hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Cerebral Angiography

Question 16

In emergency management of TBI, securing an airway is crucial primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent aspiration and hypoxia

Answer

Enhance cerebral blood flow

Answer

Reduce intracranial pressure

Question 17

In the immediate management of a patient with suspected TBI, which intervention should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Securing a patent airway

Answer

Administering pain medication

Answer

Immobilizing the head and neck

Answer

Performing a neurological examination

Question 18

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) primarily assess?

Accepted Answer

Level of consciousness

Answer

Pupillary response

Answer

Neurological function

Question 19

Which of the following is a potential indicator of raised intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Accepted Answer

Dilated pupils

Answer

Normal heart rate and blood pressure

Answer

Clear mental status

Answer

Stable respiratory function

Question 20

Which of the following conditions is NOT a contraindication for surgical intervention in TBI?

Accepted Answer

Coagulopathy

Answer

Large, mass-effect hematoma

Answer

Herniation syndrome

Answer

Penetrating head injury

Question 21

What is the primary objective of rehabilitation in the management of TBI?

Accepted Answer

To promote functional recovery

Answer

To diagnose complications

Answer

To prevent further injury

Answer

To reduce physical pain

Question 22

Which of the following is a potential psychological consequence of TBI?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Fractures

Answer

Epilepsy

Answer

Spasticity

Question 23

What is the most effective strategy for preventing secondary brain injury in the context of TBI?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining adequate oxygenation and perfusion

Answer

Administering antibiotics prophylactically

Answer

Using anti-seizure medications

Answer

Positioning the patient comfortably

Question 24

Which of the following is a key indicator of successful acute management of TBI?

Accepted Answer

Stable neurological status

Answer

Normal CT scan findings

Answer

Absence of seizures

Answer

Full restoration of function

Question 25

The immediate goal of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) management is to:

Accepted Answer

Stabilize the patient's condition and prevent secondary brain damage.

Answer

Establish a definitive diagnosis of TBI.

Answer

Determine the long-term prognosis of the injury.

Question 26

The first step in the ABCDEs of TBI management is:

Accepted Answer

Airway management.

Answer

Circulation management.

Answer

Breathing management.

Answer

Disability assessment.

Question 27

Which imaging technique is most commonly used to diagnose TBI:

Accepted Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan.

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG).

Answer

X-ray.

Question 28

Osmotic agents are used in the management of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce cerebral edema.

Answer

Improve cerebral blood flow.

Answer

Increase ICP monitoring accuracy.

Answer

Prevent seizures.

Question 29

Which of the following is the primary goal of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) management?

Accepted Answer

Stabilization and prevention of secondary injury

Answer

Rehabilitation and functional recovery

Answer

Diagnosis and prognosis of TBI severity

Answer

Definitive treatment of underlying brain damage

Question 30

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) primarily used to assess?

Accepted Answer

Level of consciousness

Answer

Sensory perception

Answer

Cognitive function

Answer

Motor skills

Question 31

Which of the following imaging modalities is recommended as the most sensitive and specific for detecting traumatic brain injuries?

Accepted Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Ultrasound

Question 32

What is the primary nursing intervention for monitoring ICP in TBI patients?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of neurological status, including level of consciousness and pupillary response

Answer

Vital signs monitoring only

Answer

Continuous ICP monitoring only

Answer

Pupillary response evaluation only

Question 33

What is the primary purpose of nutritional support in the acute phase of TBI?

Accepted Answer

Prevent malnutrition and promote tissue repair

Answer

Reduce inflammation

Answer

Control blood sugar levels

Answer

Stimulate hormone production

Question 34

Which of the following is a major factor that influences the prognosis and recovery outcomes of TBI?

Accepted Answer

Injury severity

Answer

Age

Answer

Gender

Question 35

What is the role of the interdisciplinary team in the acute management of TBI?

Accepted Answer

Collaborate and coordinate care to provide comprehensive and holistic support

Answer

Provide emotional support to the patient's family only

Answer

Educate the patient about TBI only

Answer

Make all medical decisions independently

Question 36

An initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12 out of 15 corresponds to which level of TBI severity?

Accepted Answer

Moderate TBI

Answer

Severe TBI

Answer

Profound TBI

Answer

Mild TBI

Question 37

Which fluid is typically administered in the initial resuscitation of patients with TBI?

Accepted Answer

Isotonic crystalloid solution

Answer

Hypertonic saline solution

Answer

Colloid solution

Answer

Blood transfusion

Question 38

The most appropriate imaging modality for the initial diagnosis of TBI is:

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Answer

Skull X-ray

Question 39

A key indicator for surgical intervention in TBI is the presence of an:

Accepted Answer

Expanding intracranial hemorrhage

Answer

GCS score of 13

Answer

Minor scalp laceration

Answer

Persistent vomiting

Question 40

A patient with a TBI exhibits signs of Cushing's Triad, a clinical manifestation of what?

Accepted Answer

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Answer

Hypoxia.

Answer

Hypoglycemia.

Answer

Spinal cord injury.

Question 41

In the acute management of TBI, which medication is commonly used to manage increased intracranial pressure?

Accepted Answer

Mannitol.

Answer

Morphine.

Answer

Acetaminophen.

Answer

Aspirin.

Question 42

A TBI patient experiences seizures. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Administer anticonvulsants.

Answer

Perform a lumbar puncture.

Answer

Apply ice packs to the head.

Question 43

Hyperventilation in a TBI patient is likely caused by what physiological response?

Accepted Answer

The body's attempt to reduce intracranial pressure.

Answer

Anxiety.

Answer

Respiratory infection.

Question 44

When transporting a patient with a suspected TBI, which action is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a neutral cervical spine.

Answer

Provide oral fluids.

Answer

Remove any jewelry or accessories.

Answer

Administer pain medication.

Question 45

Pupillary changes, such as unequal pupil size, in a TBI patient may indicate:

Accepted Answer

Brain herniation.

Answer

Dehydration.

Answer

Hypoglycemia.

Answer

Spinal cord injury.

Question 46

The primary objective in the acute management of a TBI patient is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain vital functions and prevent further neurological deterioration.

Answer

Administer pain medication.

Answer

Determine the cause of the injury.

Question 47

When deciding whether to transport a TBI patient to a specialized trauma center, the most significant factor is:

Accepted Answer

The severity of the injury and the availability of appropriate resources at the receiving facility.

Answer

The distance to the trauma center.

Answer

The patient's age and medical history.

Question 48

A TBI patient presents with a GCS score of 13, indicating which appropriate level of care?

Accepted Answer

Close observation and monitoring.

Answer

Immediate surgical intervention

Answer

Discharge with outpatient follow-up

Answer

Intubation and mechanical ventilation

Question 49

For a patient with a TBI and suspected intracranial hemorrhage, which imaging modality is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

X-ray

Question 50

What is the MAIN reason for ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in a patient with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Accepted Answer

To prevent further brain damage (secondary brain injury)

Answer

To improve cognitive function

Answer

To reduce pain and discomfort

Answer

To make communication easier

Question 51

Which medication is commonly used to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) in TBI patients?

Accepted Answer

Mannitol

Answer

Diazepam (Valium)

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Morphine

Question 52

A TBI patient has a fixed and dilated pupil. This finding strongly suggests:

Accepted Answer

Severe brain injury with potential brain herniation

Answer

Drug intoxication

Answer

Mild concussion

Answer

Damage to a peripheral nerve

Question 53

Why is maintaining normal blood pressure crucial for a TBI patient?

Accepted Answer

To ensure adequate blood flow to the brain

Answer

To decrease pain

Answer

To improve thinking skills

Answer

To prevent seizures

Question 54

What is the MOST important thing to remember when caring for a TBI patient with a possible neck injury?

Accepted Answer

Keep the neck perfectly still (immobilize the cervical spine)

Answer

Do surgery as soon as possible

Answer

Give lots of fluids right away

Answer

Give steroid medicine early on

Question 55

What is the MAIN factor that determines the level of care needed for a TBI patient?

Accepted Answer

The seriousness of the injury and the patient's brain function (neurological status)

Answer

Whether the hospital has the resources

Answer

The patient's age