Chapter 26: Head and Spinal Trauma Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Chapter 26: Head and Spinal Trauma Deck (30)
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1
Q

The central nervous system is divided into three areas. What are the three areas

A

cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem

2
Q

What controls the body’s vital organs?

A

ANS

3
Q

How many vertebrae are in the thoracic region of the spinal cord?

A

12

4
Q

Bruising behind the ear is known as ________, and it is considered a later sign of a head injury.

A

battles sign

5
Q

What is the most common complication of a head injury?

A

cerebral edema

6
Q

Using the Glasgow Coma Scale, what total score would you give a patient who opens his eyes to your voice, answers all questions correctly, and is able to obey your motor commands?

A

14

7
Q

When you suspect a head or spinal injury, how would you open the airway?

A

jaw thrust

8
Q

When treating a patient with a helmet on, you should remove the helmet only when:

A

you are otherwise unable to maintain an airway

9
Q

If you do not have a pediatric backboard, how should you stabilize a child on a regular backboard?

A

pad the shoulders

10
Q

A(n) _________ bleed is bleeding that occurs outside the dura mater in the skull.

A

epidural

11
Q

When immobilizing a patient to a long backboard, which part of the body should be secured last?

A

head

12
Q

Which of the following statements about transferring a patient sitting in an automobile to a long backboard is true?

  • The patient should always be removed from the vehicle feet first.
  • The patient should be secured to a short board first and then moved to the long board.
  • If the patient is conscious and alert, ask him or her to slide onto the long backboard while you maintain manual in-line stabilization of the spine.
A

-The patient should be secured to a short board first and then moved to the long board.

13
Q

How many EMTs does it take to properly immobilize a standing patient to a long backboard?

A

3

14
Q

The human nervous system can be divided into two parts: the ____ and ___

A

CNS and PNS

15
Q

The CNS consists of the ______

A

brain and the spinal cord

16
Q

the peripheral nervous system consists of a ______, like cables, that transmit information to and from the body’s organs to and from the brain.

A

network of nerve fibers

17
Q

The CNS is also covered and protected by three layers of tissue called the meninges. The layers are called the ___, ____, and the ___

A

dura mater, the arachnoid, and the pia mater.

18
Q

A ____ is a traumatic injury to the head that may result in injury to soft tissue, bony structures, or the brain.

A

head injury

19
Q

A _____ is a severe head injury that can be a life threat or leave the patient with life-altering injuries.

A

traumatic brain injury

20
Q

Motor vehicle crashes, direct blows, falls from heights, assault, and sports injuries are common causes of _____. A patient who has experienced any of these events may have also sustained a ____.

A

spinal injury, head injury

21
Q

Treat the patient with a head injury according to three general principles that are designed to protect and maintain the critical functions of the CNS: ____, ____, and ___

A

establish an adequate airway, control bleeding, and reassess the patient’s baseline level of consciousness.

22
Q

Treat the patient with a spinal injury by _____, _____, and _____

A

maintaining the airway while keeping the spine in proper alignment, assess respirations, and give supplemental oxygen.

23
Q

What type of peripheral nerves carry information from the brain to the body via the spinal cord?

A

Sensory nerves

24
Q

What type of intracranial bleeding occurs beneath the dura mater but outside of the brain?

A

subdural hematoma

25
Q

What type of injury is caused by a bruise to the brain?

A

contusion

26
Q

What five questions should you ask a patient with possible spinal injuries?

A
  1. What happened?
  2. Where does it hurt?
  3. Does your neck or back hurt?
  4. Can you move your hands and feet?
  5. Did you hit your head?
27
Q

A patient who opens his eyes when you say his name, is confused when he speaks, and localizes pain would receive what score on the Glasgow Coma Scale?

A

12

28
Q

What procedure can be used to control most bleeding from scalp lacerations?

A

Direct pressure

29
Q

What is Cushing’s triad?

A

hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations (cheyne-stokes, hyperventilation, biot respirations)

30
Q

_____ (irregular rate, pattern, and depth of breathing)

A

biot respirations