Which of the following findings require immediate nursing interventions related to the assessment of a patient with a traumatic brain injury? (Select all that apply.)
a. Mean arterial pressure 48 mm Hg
b. Elevated serum blood alcohol level
c. Non-reactive pupils
d. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
A, C, D
Rapid assessment of patients with neurological injury is vital to the treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury. Preventing hypotension (mean arterial pressure less than 50 mm Hg) is essential to maintain cerebral perfusion; non-reactive pupils are an abnormal finding and require immediate attention to evaluate the cause. Adequate oxygenation and ventilation are necessary to deliver oxygen to the brain; thus, a respiratory rate of 10 requires further evaluation. An elevated blood alcohol level interferes with the ability to conduct a neurological examination but does not require immediate intervention.
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