Symptoms, Causes and Prevention
Brain Injuries
Spinal Injuries
Physical Examination
Random
100
What are some things you can do in a car to make sure you are safe
Always wear a seat belt, use approved car seats for infants and small children, avoid driving while intoxicated or under the influence
100
Can brain injuries occur with no indication outside the body?
Yes. Just because you don't see any signs or symptoms doesn't mean that there isn't a brain injury
100
What bone should you be careful of when injuring your head, neck or back?
The spinal cord- the bundle of nerves that runs down from the base of your skull and through the neck to branch off to all parts of the body
100
Why should you make sure the victims airway is open?
To check breathing, to give CPR, to control bleeding or to allow blood, vomit or other fluids to drain from the mouth
100
What is the best way to stop bleeding from the scalp at the site of a skill fracture?
Apply direct pressure to the wound
200
How can you prevent falls
Use stools when reaching for something on a shelf, remove tripping hazards suchas throw rugs or electrical cords, use nonslip mats in shower, use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs if you have small children
200
Signs that someone has a brain injury
nausea/vomiting, severe headache, changing levels in responsiveness, lack of coordination or movement problems, problems with vision or speech, seizures
200
What should you do if you think someone has a spinal injury?
KEEP THEM STILL, call 9-1-1, monitor breathing
200
You ask the victim to put pressure on your hand with their foot. They are able to do it but only weakly. Does this mean that the injury is serious?
You should treat any blows to the head, neck and back very seriously. If the victim can not use the force that they normally would, keep the victim still and call 9-1-1
200
You find an unresponsive victim at the base of a ladder with his head turned to one side. He is breathing normally. What should you do?
Support the neck in the position that it is found in
300
What are common causes of these injuries
car accidents, falls from more than a few feet, skiiing or any other sports, diving emergencies, any forceful blows to the head neck or spine
300
If the victim is uncomfortable, how many times can you move them before it becomes dangerous?
You should not allow them to move!! keep their head and neck the way that you found them
300
What part of the spinal cord is less serious to damage?
The lower part. Signs and symptoms are less serious. They will have sharp pain in the lower back, stiffness and reduced movement.
300
What are risk factors of spinal or neck injuries?
the cause of the victims injuries, observations of bystanders, immediate apparent injuries and wounds (serious head wound or the neck twisted at an unusual angle), any observed sign of a head or spinal injury
300
A spinal cord injury can cause what?
a breathing problem, numbness in feet, paralysis
400
What are general signs and symptoms of head and spinal injuries
lump/deformity in the head neck or back, unequal pupils, stiff neck, headache, clear or bloody fluid from the nose or ears, inability to move any body part, tingling or numbness, changing in levels of responsiveness confusion or dizziness
400
T/F if the victim does not seem like they have a serious head injury it is okay that they don't see a doctor
FALSE. always see a doctor when you have a possibility of having a head injury. Injuries can worsen
400
If the victim is thirsty what kind of beverage is okay to give them?
NONE. Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink
400
If the victim is unconscious, should you spend the time to do a physical examination?
NO. if the victim is unconscious call 9-1-1 and keep their neck and head still.
400
When should you call 9-1-1 for a suspected spinal injury?
Call for any suspected spinal injury
500
How many Americans live with a disability resulting from a spinal cord injury?
about 300,000
500
How long can it take for brain injury symptoms to occur
up to 48 hours
500
What are some side affects of a concussion?
temporary confusion, memory loss, brief loss of responsiveness, mildly or moderately altered mental status, unusual behavior, headache
500
What should you check for during the physical examination?
check the head without moving the victims head or neck, check neck for deformity or swelling and pain, check skin appearance, temp and moisture, check chest; ask victim to breathe deeply, check abdomen, check pelvis, check upper extremities, check lower extremities
500
When might you move a victim with a suspected spinal injury?
To position them for CPR, to drain vomit from the victims mouth, to escape an encroaching fire
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