A nurse is assessing a client who has a concussion from a sports injury. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A.
Nuchal rigidity
B.
A lingering headache that comes and goes
C.
Glasgow Coma Scale score of 11
D.
Loss of consciousness lasting 30 to 60 min
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. A lingering headache that comes and goes.
Explanation:
A concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury often caused by a blow to the head or body, can manifest with a range of symptoms. Here’s an explanation of why option B is the most accurate:
- Headaches: A lingering headache that comes and goes is a common symptom of a concussion. This type of headache can be persistent and fluctuate in intensity, and it often persists for days or even weeks after the injury. Concussions can cause various symptoms, including cognitive disturbances, physical symptoms like headaches, and emotional changes.
- Nuchal Rigidity: Nuchal rigidity, or neck stiffness, is more commonly associated with meningitis rather than a concussion. It is not a typical sign of a concussion, and the presence of nuchal rigidity might suggest a different, potentially more severe issue that requires further evaluation.
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score: The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness. A GCS score of 11 suggests a moderate level of impairment and is not typical for a concussion. Most concussions present with a GCS score of 15, as they generally do not cause significant impairment in consciousness.
- Loss of Consciousness: A loss of consciousness lasting 30 to 60 minutes indicates a more severe traumatic brain injury than a concussion. Concussions may cause brief loss of consciousness, but if the loss of consciousness is prolonged (such as 30-60 minutes), it suggests a more serious injury like a contusion or intracranial hemorrhage.
In summary, the symptom of a recurring headache aligns well with what is expected in a concussion, while the other options point towards conditions or severity levels not typically associated with a concussion.