A 23-year-old patient who is suspected of having an epidural hematoma is admitted to the emer-gency department. Which action will the nurse plan to take?
a. Administer IV furosemide (Lasix).
b. Prepare the patient for craniotomy.
c. Initiate high-dose barbiturate therapy.
d. Type and crossmatch for blood transfu-sion.
ANS: B
The principal treatment for epidural hematoma is rapid surgery to remove the hematoma and pre-vent herniation. If intracranial pressure (ICP) is elevated after surgery, furosemide or high-dose barbiturate therapy may be needed, but these will not be of benefit unless the hematoma is re-moved. Minimal blood loss occurs with head injuries, and transfusion is usually not necessary.
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