An individual sustained a closed head injury in a rock climbing accident. In the ER the RN elevates the head of the bed at 30 degrees and keeps his head in a straight position. What is the physiologic rationale for the positioning?

Answered below

Explanation:

Head injuries may be penetrating head injury or closed head injury.

A major concern for health professionals regarding intracranial injuries resulting from closed head traumas, is the management of intracranial pressure. Elevated intracranial pressure have negative effects on the brain and immediate management of raised intracranial pressure is important to avoid cerebral edema, intracranial hematoma, brain herniation and even death.

The usual procedures in the management of head injury include elevating the head to about 30 degrees. This position promotes cerebral venous drainage and decreases intracranial venous pressure and intracranial pressure as well.

This is helpful because when the patient is left in the horizontal position, the intracranial pressure becomes significantly higher and the have fatal consequences.