A traumatic brain injury that affects the pituitary gland or hypothalamus can cause which of the following?

A. A blood pressure cuff is not directly needed to assess neurological status. While blood pressure is important to monitor in neurological assessments, it is not the primary tool used for assessing neurological function.

B. A pen light is essential for assessing pupil reaction, which is a key part of a neurological exam. The nurse can use the pen light to check for pupil dilation, constriction, and reaction to light, which are important indicators of brain function.

C. A thermometer is useful for measuring body temperature but is not a primary tool for assessing neurological status. Although fever can be a sign of infection affecting the brain, it is not part of the basic neurological exam.

D. A stethoscope is useful for listening to heart and lung sounds, but it is not typically used for assessing neurological function. The pen light is the more appropriate tool for this purpose.

A. A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that typically results in a temporary loss of brain function. It is often caused by a blow to the head and may result in confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. However, if concussions occur repeatedly, they can lead to long-term cognitive impairment and other serious conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

B. A brainstem contusion is a more severe injury that affects the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate. It is not classified as a mild injury.

C. A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the brain and its outermost covering. It is a serious condition that can result from a traumatic brain injury and is not considered mild.

D. An epidural hematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and the dura mater. It is often caused by a traumatic head injury and is considered a medical emergency, not a mild injury.