NSG 4100 STUDY OBJECTIVES FOR EXAM 4
| ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATED 2026/2027 (GRADED A+)-
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
NSG 4100 STUDY OBJECTIVES FOR EXAM 4
1. Complications of Head Trauma
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with a recent head injury. Which com
plication is most concerning following head trauma?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Increased intracranial pressure
C. Constipation
D. Mild dehydration
Answer: Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common and life-
threatening complication of head trauma. Swelling, bleeding, or accumulatio
n of cerebrospinal fluid can increase pressure within the skull. This can decre
ase cerebral perfusion and cause brain damage if not treated quickly.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Question 2
Which statement best describes a traumatic brain injury?
A. Degeneration of neurons due to aging
B. Brain damage caused by an external mechanical force
C. Brain inflammation caused by infection
D. A congenital brain defect present at birth
Answer: Brain damage caused by an external mechanical force
Rationale: Traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force such as a blo
w or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Common causes include
,falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports injuries. TBIs can range from mild c
oncussions to severe brain damage.
Question 3
Which assessment should the nurse prioritize when caring for a pati
ent with a suspected TBI?
A. Skin turgor
B. Neurological status and Glasgow Coma Scale
C. Abdominal sounds
D. Urine color
Answer: Neurological status and Glasgow Coma Scale
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates eye opening, verbal response,
and motor response. It helps determine the severity of neurological impairm
ent. Frequent neurological checks help detect early deterioration in patients
with brain injuries.
3. Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Question 4
ICP refers to which of the following?
A. Pressure within the skull from brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid
B. Blood pressure inside arteries
C. Pressure within the spinal cord only
D. Pulmonary pressure
Answer: Pressure within the skull from brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal
fluid
Rationale: Intracranial pressure represents the pressure exerted by brain tiss
ue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. Normal ICP ranges from 5–
15 mmHg. Increased ICP can impair cerebral perfusion and cause neurologic
al damage.
Question 5
Which assessment finding suggests increasing ICP?
, A. Bradycardia and hypertension
B. Increased appetite
C. Dry skin
D. Tachycardia with hypotension
Answer: Bradycardia and hypertension
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypertension are part of Cushing’s triad, which in
dicates increased intracranial pressure. The third component is irregular resp
irations. This is a late and critical sign requiring immediate intervention.
Question 6
Which nursing intervention helps prevent increased ICP?
A. Positioning the patient flat
B. Keeping the head elevated 30 degrees
C. Encouraging coughing frequently
D. Placing patient in Trendelenburg
Answer: Keeping the head elevated 30 degrees
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous drainage from the
brain and reduces intracranial pressure. Flat or Trendelenburg positions can i
ncrease pressure. Avoiding excessive stimulation and coughing also helps pr
event ICP elevation.
4. Halo Fixator Device
Question 7
Which finding is expected in a patient with a halo fixator?
A. Slight drainage at pin sites
B. Loose pins
C. Severe neck pain
D. Purulent drainage from pins
Answer: Slight drainage at pin sites
Rationale: Mild drainage or slight redness around halo pin sites may occur ini
tially. However, signs of infection such as pus, swelling, or increasing pain sh
ould be reported. Proper pin site care is essential to prevent complications.
| ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATED 2026/2027 (GRADED A+)-
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
NSG 4100 STUDY OBJECTIVES FOR EXAM 4
1. Complications of Head Trauma
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with a recent head injury. Which com
plication is most concerning following head trauma?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Increased intracranial pressure
C. Constipation
D. Mild dehydration
Answer: Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common and life-
threatening complication of head trauma. Swelling, bleeding, or accumulatio
n of cerebrospinal fluid can increase pressure within the skull. This can decre
ase cerebral perfusion and cause brain damage if not treated quickly.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Question 2
Which statement best describes a traumatic brain injury?
A. Degeneration of neurons due to aging
B. Brain damage caused by an external mechanical force
C. Brain inflammation caused by infection
D. A congenital brain defect present at birth
Answer: Brain damage caused by an external mechanical force
Rationale: Traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force such as a blo
w or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Common causes include
,falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports injuries. TBIs can range from mild c
oncussions to severe brain damage.
Question 3
Which assessment should the nurse prioritize when caring for a pati
ent with a suspected TBI?
A. Skin turgor
B. Neurological status and Glasgow Coma Scale
C. Abdominal sounds
D. Urine color
Answer: Neurological status and Glasgow Coma Scale
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates eye opening, verbal response,
and motor response. It helps determine the severity of neurological impairm
ent. Frequent neurological checks help detect early deterioration in patients
with brain injuries.
3. Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Question 4
ICP refers to which of the following?
A. Pressure within the skull from brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid
B. Blood pressure inside arteries
C. Pressure within the spinal cord only
D. Pulmonary pressure
Answer: Pressure within the skull from brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal
fluid
Rationale: Intracranial pressure represents the pressure exerted by brain tiss
ue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. Normal ICP ranges from 5–
15 mmHg. Increased ICP can impair cerebral perfusion and cause neurologic
al damage.
Question 5
Which assessment finding suggests increasing ICP?
, A. Bradycardia and hypertension
B. Increased appetite
C. Dry skin
D. Tachycardia with hypotension
Answer: Bradycardia and hypertension
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypertension are part of Cushing’s triad, which in
dicates increased intracranial pressure. The third component is irregular resp
irations. This is a late and critical sign requiring immediate intervention.
Question 6
Which nursing intervention helps prevent increased ICP?
A. Positioning the patient flat
B. Keeping the head elevated 30 degrees
C. Encouraging coughing frequently
D. Placing patient in Trendelenburg
Answer: Keeping the head elevated 30 degrees
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous drainage from the
brain and reduces intracranial pressure. Flat or Trendelenburg positions can i
ncrease pressure. Avoiding excessive stimulation and coughing also helps pr
event ICP elevation.
4. Halo Fixator Device
Question 7
Which finding is expected in a patient with a halo fixator?
A. Slight drainage at pin sites
B. Loose pins
C. Severe neck pain
D. Purulent drainage from pins
Answer: Slight drainage at pin sites
Rationale: Mild drainage or slight redness around halo pin sites may occur ini
tially. However, signs of infection such as pus, swelling, or increasing pain sh
ould be reported. Proper pin site care is essential to prevent complications.
