Neurological System

This week we will focus on the neurological system and some events that can affect the way people live, think, react based on the injury that occur whether in the present or past.   PTSD is one of those injuries that we have heard about or have witnessed in our patients, loved one, friends or neighbors.  The nurse conducts neurological assessment in order to gather more detailed information on the patient’s status and is then use to formulate the plan of care.  The fact that Randy is an Irag war veteran presenting to the ER with current injury and possible past injury, what are your thoughts?

Randy Adams is a 38-year-old male patient of Dr. Joseph Reynolds who was admitted yesterday morning for 24-hour observation for mild concussion following a motor vehicle accident. Randy lost consciousness during the accident and was very confused when he arrived in the ER after EMS transport. He is an Iraq war veteran and he seemed to think after the accident that this all happened in Iraq. Dr. Reynolds is concerned that Randy has some residual problems from a couple of explosive incidents that occurred while he was in Iraq. The physician is unsure whether Randy’s current symptoms are from the car accident or from prior injuries so he has referred him for consultations to both a neurologist and to a behavioral health specialist.

Based on the above please discuss the following.

1. Pathophysiology of concussive injuries and treatment
2. Neurological assessment tools used in your current practice setting (if not presently working, please describe one used during prior employment or schooling)
3. Current best practices associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
4. Nursing interventions you would include in this patient’s plan of care