NCLEX-PN

●​ Signs and Symptoms: Loss of consciousness, confusion, unilateral pupil dilation, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and lethargy. ●​ Interventions and Treatments: Urgent intervention (e.g., burr holes, craniotomy), anticonvulsant medications, osmotic agents (e.g., mannitol), and monitoring. ●​ Complications: Permanent brain damage, herniation, paralysis, coma, and death. 9.​ Spinal Cord Injuries ●​ Description: Traumatic injury to the spinal cord, resulting in various degrees of sensory and motor loss. ●​ Signs and Symptoms: Vary based on severity and location; can include paralysis, sensory deficits, impaired respiratory function, hypotension, ischemia, and autonomic dysfunction. ●​ Interventions and Treatments: ABCs, immobilization, intubation, mechanical ventilation, pain management, GI and urinary care, and prevention of complications. ●​ Complications: Spinal neurogenic shock, respiratory distress, autonomic dysreflexia, hypertension, immobility hazards, permanent damage, seizures, coma, and death. Skeletal System Medical Emergencies 1.​ Skeletal Fractures ●​ Description: Bone breakage resulting from trauma; various types and classifications. ●​ Signs and Symptoms: Pain, deformity, muscle spasms, crepitus, swelling, ecchymosis, impaired movement, impaired circulation, and possible open wounds. ●​ Interventions and Treatments: Pain management, immobilization, elevation, cold application, internal/external fixation, casting, splinting, and traction. ●​ Complications: Deformity, compartment syndrome, fat embolism, neurological and vascular issues, osteomyelitis (in open fractures), and lifelong disability. 2.​ Dislocations and Subluxations ●​ Description: Complete separation of joint surfaces in dislocation; partial displacement in subluxation. ●​ Signs and Symptoms: Severe pain, limited joint mobility, alignment changes, neurological/circulatory issues, swelling, and rotation. ●​ Interventions and Treatments: Reduction (e.g., Kocher method), immobilization post-reduction, analgesia.

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