MANGLAPUS, GIANA L.

BSN IV-A AUGUST, 24, 2018

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries are the injuries resulted from an abrupt blow to the head.
Traumatic brain injuries are classified as:
A. mild (LOC <30mins, GCS of 13-15, PTA <24 hours).
B. Moderate ( LOC > 30 minutes but <2 hours, GCS 9-12, PTA 24 hours to 7 days) and;
C. Severe ( LOC > 24 hours, GCS 8 or less, PTA >7days).
2. Focal injuries are injuries that is localized only to one part of the brain for example is the
cerebral contusion, which is, occurs when the skull received a hit externally resulting to a
brain bruise. On the other hand, Diffuse injuries occur in a broader area. For example is the
concussion injury, which occurs when the head shaken forward and back during MVA or
during falls.
3. Epidural hemorrhage occurs when the brain bleeds between the skull and dura matter and
subdural hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding between the dura matter and brain’s
arachnoid area.

Assessments:

a. Those who had a post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) should be assess for: Motor impairments,
possible missed injuries or fractures, bulbar problems affecting speech and swallowing, sensory
dysfunctions, reduced bladder or bowel control, cognitive dysfunctions, and behavioral
dysregulations.
b. Assess for Glasgow-Coma Scale ( Eye opening=4 , Verbal=5, Motor=6)
c. Assess for level of consciousness

Signs and symptoms:

a. Mild: headache, N/V, Fatigue/ drowsiness, difficulty sleeping/ sleeping more tha usual, and
dizziness or loss of balance. Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, bad taste in mouth, and changes
in ability to smell. Sensitive to light or sound. Depressed feeling mood swings and memory or
concentration problems.
b. Moderate to severe: persistent headache that worsens, repeated N/V, seizures, dilation of one
pupil of the eye, clear fluids draining from the nose or ears, weakness or numbness in distal
areas, loss of coordination, profound confusion, unusual behavior.
c. Children’s symptoms: change in eating habits, easy irritability, persistent crying, change in ability
to pay attention, sleep habit changes, seizures, sad or depressed mood, drowsiness, loss of
interest in favorite toys or activities.

Management:

a. Rapid management of Circulation, Airway and Breathing

b. Administering IV fluids, emergency mediations, and Oxygen and C-spine precautions.
c. Stabilization of the condition of patient.
d. Frequent monitoring of the vital signs, GCS, LOC and mental status changes.
e. Thorough assessment from head to toe