What does a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 7 indicate in a head-injured patient?
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Correct answer: Severe brain injury with high deterioration risk, may need airway protection
GCS ≤ 8 typically denotes severe traumatic brain injury and warrants immediate management and possibly airway protection.
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More Trauma Nursing: Head and Spinal Cord Injury questions
- What does the triad of bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations indicate in a head-injured patient?
- What respiratory change can be anticipated in a patient with a spinal cord injury at level C4?
- What presentation characterizes neurogenic shock in the acute phase of spinal cord injury?
- Why is monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) recommended for head-injured patients?
- Why is elevating the head of the bed to 20-30° recommended for head-injured patients?
- Which nursing intervention is essential for a patient with high-level spinal cord injury to prevent respiratory complications?