A 23-year-old patient who is suspected of having an epidural ...

[karateprodigy]

A 23-year-old patient who is suspected of having an epidural hematoma is admitted to the emer-gency department. Which action will the nurse plan to take?
 
  a. Administer IV furosemide (Lasix).
  b. Prepare the patient for craniotomy.
  c. Initiate high-dose barbiturate therapy.
  d. Type and crossmatch for blood transfu-sion.

Question 2

A college athlete is seen in the clinic 6 weeks after a concussion. Which assessment information will the nurse collect to determine whether a patient is developing postconcussion syndrome?
 
  a. Short-term memory
  b. Muscle coordination
  c. Glasgow Coma Scale
  d. Pupil reaction to light

[ryansturges]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The principal treatment for epidural hematoma is rapid surgery to remove the hematoma and pre-vent herniation. If intracranial pressure (ICP) is elevated after surgery, furosemide or high-dose barbiturate therapy may be needed, but these will not be of benefit unless the hematoma is re-moved. Minimal blood loss occurs with head injuries, and transfusion is usually not necessary.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Decreased short-term memory is one indication of postconcussion syndrome. The other data may be assessed but are not indications of postconcussion syndrome.