Table of Contents
Summary
Traumatic brain injury is a condition that has been affecting people. It is a condition that is unpredictable in nature because it can occur from different external forces. The main aim of this report is to examine traumatic brain injury in-depth on the nursing practice perspective. The key areas that have been discussed in the paper are the relationship that exists between agitation, memory loss and family coping with patients suffering from traumatic brain injury. These areas pose the biggest challenge about the overall patient recovery process. The nursing interventions that are undertaken to ensure that this condition is treated and the patient recovers are also analyzed. Patients with this condition require special treatment or therapy for successful recovery.
The brain is a sensitive part of the human body and adequate support and intervention are essential for healing. Effective control of the behaviors of the patient is necessary. Supervision is also required for the recovery of the patient memory. Families also need to adjust and change in a way that ensures that there is sufficient support for the patient. This can positively influence the healing process. Is there a relationship that exists between traumatic brain injury and agitation, memory loss, and family coping with this condition? Yes, patients need to receive support from their families to facilitate their recovery. The effective nursing intervention also will ensure that agitation and memory loss are effectively treated. This report is essential because it will increase and improve the existing nursing knowledge on traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic Brain Injury is a condition that involves the disruption of the natural functioning of the brain caused by a trauma that is closely associated with injuries of the neurologic function of the brain (Winson, Wilson, & Bateman, 2016). This condition results in either focal or the diffuse symptoms in a patient and can have many side effects to the normal functioning of an individual. The brain is one of the most important parts in defining human beings, and brain injuries have a significant impact on many aspects of our lives. External forces may cause injuries in the brain causing brain trauma, which results in alterations in the flow of cerebral blood. The skull’s pressure is also altered and this brings about changes in the normal functioning of the brain (Stein, Feather, & Napolitano, 2014).
This condition is mainly caused by sudden accidents such as automobile accidents or falls and violence, bomb blast among others. It can cause death for patients as well as permanent incapacities. Traumatic brain injury may experience agitation, which is a sudden change in their behavior (Winson, Wilson, & Bateman, 2016). This shift is known as agitation. Some patients also experience memory loss which is caused by the alterations in the normal functioning of the brain. Nurses and other caregivers play a significant role in the recovery process of the patients. The family members of the patient also play a major role in coping with their patient who is suffering from traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury is acquired in nature because it mainly occurs after a patient is born (Delgado, 2016; Humphreys et al., 2013).
Traumatic Brain Injury Condition, Nursing Interventions and Implications
Traumatic brain injury patients suffer from temporary impairments in their capacity to use their minds in making decisions or undertaking actions that are considered normal (Massey et al., 2015). Some patients may experience permanent disorders. This condition is an acquired condition, and it occurs mainly in cases where there is a sudden change impact or movement in the brain or skull. According to Delgado (2016), the traumatic brain injuries may be minor, moderate or very severe in nature because it depends on the force that caused it. The damage that is resulting from the brain injury can occur on specific parts of the brain or be distributed in the entire body. This condition has several signs and symptoms which caregivers or nurses can identify in a patient. These include unconsciousness, severe headache and the eyes of the patient may become blurring. Some patients may experience persistence dizziness, continuous vomiting and lack of body balance. Other may experience fatigue and loss of sleep or oversleep (Humphreys et al., 2013).
Confusion due to memory loss may also affect the patient behavior. Winson et al., (2016) identified diagnosis of this condition as mainly made by lesion conditions and clinical evidence. Also, neurological evaluation can be used in the diagnosis. Nursing diagnosis for this condition is made through evaluation of the acute pain which is closely associated with brain alterations or damage to the tissues which form the skull. An analysis of the risks related to the injuries that cause complications in the brain is also undertaken (Stein et al., 2014). Consequently, the diagnostic analysis can be done by the use of computed tomography. It helps in the identification of the nature of the brain injuries, and this helps in knowing the best way to manage and treat the condition. The nurses may also take X-rays in the laboratory on the skull of the patient, blood count and other closely related neuropsychological examinations (Sherer & Sander, 2014).
Patients suffering from traumatic brain injury may experience agitation especially during the recovery process. Alterations in the normal functioning of the brain make patients develop life-threatening behavior (Delgado, 2016). These conditions range from restless, making decisions and other actions without critical thinking as well as being negatively aggressive. Their moods also change, and they can cause trouble for the people around them. Agitation is mainly caused by impairment in their thinking abilities. Traumatic brain injury leaves patients in a misunderstanding state. They require continuous monitoring and supervision. Nursing care is essential at this stage. Memory loss can also affect the patient. This is caused by alterations that affect the structures of the skull or the brain (Singh et al., 2014). It mainly interferes with their ability to remember, retrieve information and storage of this information. Brain shocks are responsible for memory loss in patients. If this condition persists, it can lead to the destruction of the sense which is used in self-identification and stability. Memory loss is always considered a special issue by nurses and requires special attention (Winson et al., 2016). Supervision and help in the management of the patient behavior can impact positively on memory recovery for the patient.
Traumatic brain injury occurrence cannot be predicted (Singh et al., 2014). Most family members and friends in the society are unaware whether their loved one will develop this condition. This condition affects the patient and the family members, and they have to learn how to cope with the situation. Most of them are not prepared for the situation, and they have to adopt necessary changes to take care of the patient. Sherer & Sander (2014) stated that the family undergoes economic and psychological challenges in facilitating the recovery process of the patient. They need to ensure that they adopt coping strategies to avoid stress and depression. They also have to make adjustments in their responsibilities to support the recovery of the patient. Family can be able to cope through participation in support groups and training for caregivers. Development of positive approach and assertiveness can also contribute to the overall recovery process. Proper utilization of the available resources can also play a significant role in facilitating the healing process of the patient (Stein et al., 2014). Traumatic brain injury condition requires the positive contributions of family and friends. It also requires that the members of a support group work in close collaboration with caregivers or nurses in facilitating a quicker recovery process for the patient.
According to Winson et al. (2016), treatment of traumatic brain injuries is done through medicines, therapy or operation depending on the nature of this condition. Nursing interventions, as well as support from social groups facilitate quick recovery for the patient. Nurses have to ensure that they are continuously monitoring the patient to identify any abnormalities. The supply of air and blood for the patient has to be maintained (Massey et al., 2015). Nurses also have to ensure that the patient’s neck and head are well positioned to avoid the spread of the injuries. The breathing of the patient also has to be monitored to establish the patterns that the patients adopts in breathing due to the new traumatic brain injury condition.
The nurse also ensures that the patient does not undergo any aspiration especially after taking meals. Further, the nurses train and advise the family and friends of the patient on how to take care of the patient. This plays a major role in controlling the effects which are brought about by this condition. Agitation and memory loss are also monitored. The families are also able to cope well with the new situation in their loved ones. The implications that are likely to arise from this condition are death or the patient or seizure disorders (Winson et al., 2016). The patient may also be infected with other health conditions. Lifetime neurologic deficits may also develop within the patient. Consequently, there can be a rise in the intracranial pressure of the patient. The continuous sympathetic issue may arise, and this can affect the family and friends of the patient. This situation can result in financial and social challenges (Humphreys et al., 2013).
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Conclusion
Traumatic brain injury occurs from external conditions or factors that cannot be controlled. Patients suffering from this condition need special care and attention from caregivers to recover from this condition. Some patients may develop lifetime impairments, and it is essential that caregivers, family, and friends offer the essential support to these patients. The nursing interventions need to start as soon as the patient develops this condition to facilitate faster treatment. Further, patients need to be given unique and special care to facilitate the recovery process. Diagnosis and treatment need to be carried out quickly to ensure that no further damages are likely to occur to the patient. People also need to take precautions to ensure that they avoid situations that can lead to the development of traumatic brain injuries. This study has implication on the nursing practice in that, nurses have gained more knowledge on handling patients with this condition. It also provides information on the proper strategies for facilitating treatment. Nurses need more training and education to enhance their intervention strategies in handling patients suffering from traumatic brain injury.
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- Massey, J., Meares, S., Batchelor, J., & Bryant, R. (2015). An exploratory study of the association of acute posttraumatic stress, depression, and pain to cognitive functioning in mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neuropsychology, 29(4), 530-542.
- Sherer, M., & Sander, A. (2014). Handbook on the Neuropsychology of Traumatic Brain Injury. New York: Springer.
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