SCENARIO OVERVIEW: Cooper Madison, a 6-year-old Caucasian male, arrived at the emergency department at 1045 Tuesday with a closed head injury and concussion, related to a fall from a tree house. A CT scan indicated possible skull fracture and subdural hematoma. A C-spine ruled out spinal fracture. While still in the emergency department, Cooper experienced an unwitnessed seizure. At 1300 Tuesday, Cooper was admitted to the pediatric unit. The scenario takes place on Wednesday at 0645
1. What system alterations should the nurse anticipate in the client with closed head injury/concussion? (This would include acid-base imbalance, respiratory system (oxygenation, ventilation), gastrointestinal, neurological, etc.)
2. What are some potential and actual complications of this client's current condition?
3. Based on the assessment findings (please list), what nursing interventions are a priority for this client and why? (Please provide rationale for interventions).
4. What are the three main phases of a seizure? Differentiate among these phase, and list clinical assessment findings you might observe when a patient is having a seizure.
5. Describe the key nursing interventions for a patient experiencing an active seizure. Be sure to include applicable medications and clinical considerations for a patient who presents with these signs and symptoms.
6. Given the patient's NPO status, how could the patient's nutritional status be monitored and maintained until his diet is advanced?