Posted: September 5th, 2017

Caring for the awake and oriented head injury patient

Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate when caring for the awake and oriented head injury patient?

a) Supply oxygen therapy to keep blood gas values within normal range.
The goal is to keep blood gas values within normal range to ensure adequate cerebral circulation.
b) Do not elevate the head of the bed.
In general, the head of the bed is elevated about 30 degrees to decrease intracranial venous pressure.
c) Encourage the patient to cough every 2 hours.
Coughing should not be encouraged because it increases intracranial pressure.
d) Use restraints if the patient becomes agitated.
Restraints should be avoided because straining against them can increase intracranial pressure. Use of padded side rails and application of mitts are the appropriate interventions in the agitated head-injured patient.