An adolescent boy is brought to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident.His respirations are deep,periodic,and gasping.There are extreme fluctuations in blood pressure.Pupils are dilated and fixed.What type of head injury should the nurse suspect?
A) Brainstem
B) Skull fracture
C) Subdural hemorrhage
D) Epidural hemorrhage

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Signs of brainstem injury include deep,rapid,periodic or intermittent,and gasping respirations.Wide fluctuations or noticeable slowing of the pulse,widening pulse pressure,or extreme fluctuations in blood pressure are consistent with a brainstem injury.Skull fracture and subdural and epidural hemorrhages are not consistent with these signs.

An Adolescent Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department After