Head injury/Head trauma

Causes

• Scalp lacerations (monitor blood loss and infection)

• Skull fractures (linear/depressed, simple/comminuted, closed/open) monitor cranial infection/hematoma

• Minor head trauma (concussions)

• Major head trauma (contusion, lacerations)

Head Injury Treatment

• Airways, O2, immobilize, C spine

• IV with caution

• Temperature

• Control bleeding

• Rhinorrhea otorrhea, scalp wounds

• keep pt warm

• Monitor vital signs

• anticipate intubationNur

Nursing Management

• baseline neuro status

• support patient and family understand changes

• behavior/personality changes

• confusion- safety

• perceptual problems- routine, orient, minimal stimuli

• seizures-meds, safety

• motor and sensory issues

• language (dysphagia) system to communicate

• nutrition-monitor- assist with feeding, G- tube

Care of pt with crania lsurgery

• care and compassion

• pre-op teaching

• post op

  • I&O’s

  • serum osmolality

  • no lying on back

  • no flexion of the neck

  • dressing

  • monitor for pain and nausea

I&o’s

serum