520101 Traumatic Brain Injury

What is the best definition of traumatic brain injury?

• A. A degenerative condition of the brain

• B. A congenital brain abnormality

• C. A non‑congenital insult to the brain from an external mechanical force

• D. A psychological trauma

Which of the following is a common symptom after mild TBI?

• A. Spinal cord paralysis

• B. Complete loss of vision

• C. Headache, nausea, dizziness

• D. Permanent unconsciousness

In managing elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), which approach is MOST important for improving neurologic outcome?

• A. First-line hemicraniectomy

• B. Hypertonic saline always superior to mannitol

• C. Prolonged hyperventilation is benign

• D. Maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), even if ICP remains elevated

Which option best captures the primary definition of cerebral protection?

• A. Administering sedatives to all patients after brain injury

• B. Preventing coronary artery disease

• C. Interventions aimed at preventing or minimizing neuronal damage during hypoxia or ischemia

• D. Stimulating neuronal regrowth after chronic neurodegeneration

What is the most critical step in prehospital management of suspected severe TBI?

• A. Immediate CT scan

• B. Securing the airway and maintaining oxygenation

• C. Administering mannitol

• D. Measuring intracranial pressure

Which agent and dose is appropriate to lower increased ICP in TBI?

• A. 250 mL D₅W

• B. Oral hypertonic saline

• C. Intravenous mannitol 0.25–1 g/kg over 15 min

• D. IV furosemide 20 mg

Which head-of-bed position is optimal for reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) in TBI patients?

• A. Supine

• B. Elevated 30° with neutral neck alignment

• C. Elevated 30° with neck turned

• D. Trendelenburg position

Effective temperature control in TBI nursing care aims to:

• A. Maintain core temperature at 38 °C to keep patient warm

• B. Lower temperature to 35 °C consistently to avoid getting fever

• C. Keep temperature below 37 °C to avoid metabolic increases and ICP spikes

• D. Avoid antipyretics

Which fluid strategy supports cerebral perfusion while minimizing cerebral edema?

• A. Use isotonic crystalloids; avoid hypotonic fluids like D₅W

• B. Aggressive hypotonic IV fluids

• C. Use 5% dextrose as maintenance fluid

• D. Restrict all fluids

When administering mannitol to reduce ICP, the nurse should routinely monitor:

• A. Serum potassium

• B. Liver enzymes

• C. Serum osmolality and volume status

• D. Platelet count