Question

When admitting a patient with a possible coup-contracoup injury after a car accident to the emergency department, the nurse obtains the following information. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?

a. The patient takes warfarin (Coumadin) daily.
b. The patient's blood pressure is 162/94 mm Hg.
c. The patient is unable to remember the accident.
d. The patient complains of a severe dull headache.

Answer 1

The most important finding to report is that the patient takes warfarin daily, due to the risk of excessive bleeding with their possible coup-contracoup brain injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

When admitting a patient with a possible coup-contracoup injury after a car accident, the most important finding to report to the health care provider is that the patient takes warfarin (Coumadin) daily. This information is crucial because warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that can cause excessive bleeding, which could exacerbate the potential brain injury. Although a severe headache, high blood pressure, and memory loss related to the accident are also significant, the immediate concern with a coup-contracoup injury and warfarin use would be the risk of hemorrhage.

It is essential to manage the patient's blood clotting process carefully, considering their cerebral injury and existing warfarin use. The health care provider must be informed promptly to make the necessary adjustments to the patient's medication regimen or to prepare for potential interventions that address the increased bleeding risk.