Head Trauma Flashcards
6 cards from real ATLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Head Trauma flashcards as text
A patient on warfarin presents with a GCS of 10 after a fall. CT reveals an acute subdural hematoma. What is the most critical initial pharmacologic intervention?
Answer: Reverse anticoagulation with prothrombin complex concentrate and vitamin K
Immediate reversal with PCC and IV vitamin K is critical to prevent hematoma expansion in anticoagulated patients.
Which type of traumatic brain injury carries the highest overall mortality rate?
Answer: Acute subdural hematoma
Acute subdural hematoma carries the highest mortality (50-90%) because it usually results from severe primary brain injury.
What is the recommended head-of-bed elevation for a patient with severe TBI and elevated ICP?
Answer: 30 degrees
Head-of-bed elevation to 30 degrees promotes venous drainage from the brain, reducing ICP.
A patient with GCS 5 and bilateral fixed dilated pupils after blunt head trauma most likely has which condition?
Answer: Severe diffuse axonal injury with brainstem involvement
Bilateral fixed dilated pupils with GCS 5 after blunt trauma most commonly indicates severe diffuse axonal injury with brainstem involvement.
Mannitol for intracranial hypertension in trauma is administered at what dose?
Answer: 0.25-1 g/kg IV bolus
Mannitol is given as an IV bolus of 0.25-1 g/kg for acute ICP reduction.
An 8-year-old child falls from playground equipment with brief loss of consciousness. GCS is 15 with no focal deficits. What is the most appropriate next step?
Answer: Observation for 4-6 hours with neurological checks
A child with GCS 15, no focal deficits, and brief LOC can be managed with observation, reducing unnecessary radiation.