Head Injury Assessment

Paper Summary:

The paper lists eight questions that evaluate a case of head injury to a child, which could help the emergency response team assess whether the patient is alert and cognizant of his or her surroundings and whether risk exists for severe injury. The paper explains the risk factors in this patient's condition and notes the possibility of latent injury.

From the Paper:

"This case study involves an 8-year old with obvious trauma to the face and head. There is no apparent fractures of the extremities, and while the patient is awake, he is only semi alert. The following eight questions will be crucial in evaluating this case. The questions are simple, given the patients age and the likelihood the boy may suffer from some form of shock following the injury. Each question focuses on assessing the extent to which neurological impairment exists, with some questions assessing the potential for cervical spinal damage, and others assessing whether the boy suffers from a concussion or related injury. Immobilization of the cervical spine will help prevent additional injury to the patient during questioning (NICE, 2003). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care. (2003, June). Head injury: triage, assessment & early management of head injury in infants, children & adults. London: National Institute for Clinical Excellence, NICE. P. 248.
• NGC. (2006) Head injury: triage, assessment, & investigation. National Guideline Clearinghouse, Available: http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?ss=15&doc_id=5067&nbr=3551

More papers on Head Injury Assessment:

• Case Study # 110797 : "Overcoming Head Injuries and Resultant Deafness"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 11099 : "Head Injuries: A Definative look at Concussions"
• Essay # 62385 : "Seizures and Communication Issues"

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