The head trauma patient can be complex and require intensive nursing care. With a key focus on protecting the brain from any secondary damage. The major consideration with any head trauma is the traumatic brain injury. Careful nursing care is required with these patients. Holistic and well-planned care is crucial to these patient’s recovery.

During the session methods of monitoring the patient, such as the Modified Glasgow Coma Score (MGCS) will be discussed and the application of this in a clinical setting explored. The Cushing’s response and the role it plays with the management of these patients will also be explained. Ending with nursing care, patient handling and condition specific considerations.

• •Able to describe the Cushing’s response and understand how we can identify this is in the patient with a head trauma.
• •Explain and apply the MCGS to a patient scenario.
• •Describe the nursing interventions required for a patient with a head trauma.