CNRN Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

Which classification of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined by a GCS score of 13–15?

Accepted Answer

Mild TBI

Answer

Severe TBI

Answer

Moderate TBI

Answer

Critical TBI

Question 2

A patient with a basilar skull fracture may exhibit which classic clinical sign involving discoloration around the eyes?

Accepted Answer

Raccoon eyes (periorbital ecchymosis)

Answer

Cullen's sign

Answer

Battle's sign

Answer

Kernig's sign

Question 3

Which type of intracranial hematoma is caused by arterial bleeding, typically from rupture of the middle meningeal artery, and presents with a lucid interval?

Accepted Answer

Epidural hematoma

Answer

Subdural hematoma

Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer

Intracerebral hematoma

Question 4

For severe TBI management, the Brain Trauma Foundation recommends maintaining ICP below:

Accepted Answer

22 mmHg

Answer

10 mmHg

Answer

15 mmHg

Answer

30 mmHg

Question 5

The nurse is caring for a patient with severe TBI receiving hypertonic saline for ICP management. The MOST important parameter to monitor is:

Accepted Answer

Serum sodium and osmolality

Answer

Blood glucose

Answer

Liver function tests

Answer

Serum potassium

Question 6

Which clinical finding differentiates neurogenic shock from spinal shock after acute spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension with bradycardia (neurogenic) vs. flaccid areflexia below injury (spinal shock)

Answer

Presence of flaccid paralysis

Answer

Absence of reflexes below the injury level

Answer

Loss of bowel and bladder function