Head and neck injuries review

The central nervous system is made up of:

• the cranium and vertebrae.

• the peripheral nerves.

• the ribs and cervical spine.

• the brain and spinal column.

Signs of a serious head injury include all of the following EXCEPT:

• clear fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose.

• equal pupils.

• deformity to the skull.

• bruising around the eyes.

The spinal column:

• begins at the rib cage and ends at the lower back.

• is very strong and not susceptible to injury.

• begins at the base of the skull and extends down into the pelvis.

• is part of the peripheral nervous system.

A young man has fallen from the roof of a three-story building onto a grassy surface. You should:

• not consider spinal injury since he fell onto a grassy surface.

• ask him to stand to assess for spinal injury.

• suspect spinal injury because of the mechanism.

• call for law enforcement since he is likely intoxicated.

The cranium is made up of:

• the bones of the face and neck.

• the bones of the pelvis.

• the bones of the head and face.

• the bones of the torso.

A 36-year-old female is unresponsive after a motorcycle accident. Your physical exam reveals no crepitus, bleeding, or deformity to her skull. You suspect she has sustained:

• a closed head injury.

• an open head injury.

• a fractured skull.

• a skull laceration.

All unresponsive trauma patients should be assumed to have which of the following?

• Intoxication

• High blood sugar

• Low blood sugar

• Spinal injury

If the mechanism of injury indicates possible spinal injuries, you should:

• contact medical direction and transport immediately, without providing emergency care.

• assume spinal injuries are present even if unseen and continue with emergency care.

• assume spinal injuries are present only after locating them, then provide emergency care.

• withhold any interventions until a higher level of care arrives.

Which of the following patients is most at risk for a head or spinal injury?

• A 22-year-old male involved in a front-end collision going 5 mph

• A 7-year-old female who tripped and fell on a carpeted surface

• An 89-year-old female who tripped and fell on a cement sidewalk

• A 32-year-old male complaining of ankle pain after falling while playing soccer

Signs and symptoms of a potential head or spine injury include all of the following EXCEPT:

• deformity of the shoulder.

• unequal pupils.

• confusion.

• weakness or paralysis.