A transcranial doppler is obtained for a patient with a traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The doppler
is positive for vasospasm. The trauma nurse would
... [Show More] expect which of the following medications to be
prescribed? - A vasospasm is a known complication of subarachnoid hemorrhages. Calcium channel
blockers are used to prevent or reverse vasospasms and are frequently used in the treatment of a
subarachnoid hemorrhage. Metoprolol, Hydralazine and Lisinopril are not calcium channel blockers and
would not be effective to prevent and treat vasospasms caused by a subarachnoid hemorrhage
Which chamber of the heart is most likely to be affected in blunt cardiac injuries? - Given the anatomical
position of the heart in the chest, the right ventricle is most exposed to the anterior portion of the chest
wall and is most likely to be injured in a blunt cardiac injury. Patients with blunt cardiac injuries
frequently experience signs of right ventricular failure. Additional findings that are associated with blunt
cardiac injuries include hypotension, atrial fibrillation, unexplained sinus tachycardia, multiple PVCs, ST
segment changes and right bundle branch blocks. The left atrium, right atrium and left ventricle are less
likely to be injured in a blunt cardiac injury.
A widened mediastinum is noted on the chest x-ray of a traumatically injured hypotensive patient. The
trauma nurse would anticipate gathering which of the following pieces of equipment as the highest
priority in this scenario? - A widened mediastinum on chest x-ray, accompanied by hypotension, is
strongly indicative of an aortic injury. One of the most life-threatening complications of an aortic injury
is blood loss, which can be treated by giving blood products via a rapid transfuser. Although patient
assessment may be enhanced by inserting an arterial line, this is less of a priority than giving fluids
rapidly. A chest tube is placed in the pleural space rather than the mediastinum and is therefore not
indicated in this scenario. Similarly, there is nothing in this scenario that indicates a pericardiocentesis is
indicated so this is not a higher priority than preparing a rapid transfuser [Show Less]