1.
How many people in the United States sustain a Brain Injury?
Correct Answer
C. 1.4 million
Explanation
Nationally, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.4 million people sustain a brain injury each year. Of those, 50,000 dies, 235,00 are hospitalized and 1.1 million are treated and released from the emergency room.
2.
What are some of the leading causes of brain injury?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above." This is because falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and sports-related injuries (such as concussions) are all leading causes of brain injury.
3.
Approximately how many cases of traumatic brain injury occur in the United States each year?
Correct Answer
A. 1.7 million
Explanation
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), there are approximately 1.7 million cases of traumatic brain injury in the United States each year. And in the United States, there are approximately 5.3 million individuals who live with a disability caused by a traumatic brain injury.
4.
Most cases of traumatic brain injury can be attributed to what?
Correct Answer
C. Motor vehicle accidents
Explanation
It is estimated that between 50% and 70% of traumatic brain injuries are the result of a motor vehicle accident, according to AANS. Among US children and adolescents, 21% of traumatic brain injuries can be attributed to accidents from sports and recreational activities.
5.
At what age does the mortality risk after experiencing a head injury begin to increase?
Correct Answer
C. 30
Explanation
The mortality risk after a head injury begins to increase at age 30 years, according to AANS. The mortality rate after a traumatic brain injury is highest among individuals aged 60 years or older, though, primarily because of falls.
6.
Of those who die from traumatic brain injuries, 50% do so within how many hours of their injury?
Correct Answer
A. 2
Explanation
It is estimated that 50,000 US individuals die from a traumatic brain injury each year. Of those who die, 50% do so within the first 2 hours of their injury, according to AANS.
7.
What must be true in order for an injury to be classified as a traumatic brain injury?
Correct Answer(s)
A. An individual must have experienced a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury.
B. The injury must have disrupted the normal function of the brain.
Explanation
According to AANS, a traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. While extended periods of unconsciousness might happen in some cases, more mild and moderate cases may result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness.
8.
Which of the following neuronal cellular events would be most consistent in a patient who has sustained a severe head injury?
Correct Answer
A. Increased intracellular calcium
Explanation
A severe head injury can lead to damage in the brain cells, causing an increase in intracellular calcium levels. This increase in calcium can occur due to the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, which allows calcium ions to enter the cells. High levels of intracellular calcium can trigger various harmful processes, including excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell death. Therefore, an increase in intracellular calcium is a consistent cellular event in patients with severe head injuries.
9.
Cerebral perfusion pressure can be defined as:
Correct Answer
B. MAP - ICP
Explanation
Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is a measure of the pressure required to ensure adequate blood flow to the brain. It is calculated by subtracting the intracranial pressure (ICP) from the mean arterial pressure (MAP). This calculation takes into account the pressure exerted by the blood flowing through the arteries and the pressure within the skull. A higher CPP indicates better blood flow to the brain, which is essential for maintaining brain function. Therefore, the correct answer is MAP - ICP.
10.
Which of the following is a common side effect of pentobarbital coma?
Correct Answer
A. Hypotension
Explanation
Pentobarbital is a barbiturate medication that is commonly used to induce a coma-like state in patients. One of the common side effects of pentobarbital coma is hypotension, which refers to low blood pressure. This occurs because pentobarbital acts as a central nervous system depressant, causing relaxation of blood vessels and a decrease in cardiac output. As a result, blood pressure drops, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Hypotension is a well-known and expected side effect of pentobarbital coma.