What should be monitored in a patient with suspected TBI during transport?

What should be monitored in a patient with suspected TBI during transport?

• A. Heart rate and blood pressure only
• B. Pupil response and level of consciousness
• C. Body temperature only
• D. Breathing pattern only

Answer: (B)

Monitoring pupil response and the level of consciousness in a patient with suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) is critical for several reasons. TBI can lead to increased intracranial pressure and various neurological deficits, which can alter a patient's consciousness level and affect their pupils' response to light. Pupil response provides immediate information about the neurological intactness; for example, unequal or non-reactive pupils can indicate potential brain damage or pressure on cranial nerves. Similarly, tracking the level of consciousness is vital since changes can signify deterioration in the patient's condition that may necessitate immediate medical intervention. Other parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing patterns, and body temperature, while important, do not provide as direct of an assessment of the neurological status or progression of a TBI. Hence, monitoring pupil response and level of consciousness is prioritized in this scenario to ensure appropriate management and timely interventions, if required.

Monitoring pupil response and the level of consciousness in a patient with suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) is critical for several reasons. TBI can lead to increased intracranial pressure and various neurological deficits, which can alter a patient's consciousness level and affect their pupils' response to light.

Pupil response provides immediate information about the neurological intactness; for example, unequal or non-reactive pupils can indicate potential brain damage or pressure on cranial nerves. Similarly, tracking the level of consciousness is vital since changes can signify deterioration in the patient's condition that may necessitate immediate medical intervention.

Other parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing patterns, and body temperature, while important, do not provide as direct of an assessment of the neurological status or progression of a TBI. Hence, monitoring pupil response and level of consciousness is prioritized in this scenario to ensure appropriate management and timely interventions, if required.