Question

A client sustained multiple injuries from a blast while serving overseas. He was admitted to the polytrauma center of the Department of Veterans Affairs presenting with headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and sensitivity to noise and light. Which of the following focal neurologic deficits may indicate the presence of mild traumatic brain injury?

1) Posttraumatic amnesia for less than a day
2) Change in personality for 2 days or less
3) An initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6
4) Loss of consciousness 45 minutes or less

Answer 1

Indicators of mild traumatic brain injury include posttraumatic amnesia for less than a day, a change in personality for 2 days or less, and loss of consciousness for 45 minutes or less. An initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6 suggests a severe brain injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client at the polytrauma center is showing symptoms that suggest a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the information provided and the examination of focal neurologic deficits, the indicators for a mild TBI would include:

• Posttraumatic amnesia for less than a day.
• Change in personality for 2 days or less.
• Loss of consciousness for 45 minutes or less.

An initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6 would indicate a severe brain injury, not a mild one. Therefore, the correct focal neurologic deficits that may indicate the presence of mild TBI are posttraumatic amnesia for less than a day, a change in personality for 2 days or less, and loss of consciousness for 45 minutes or less.