Emergency nursing priorities of the head injured patient

The first priority in any emergency is always an adequate airway. The nurse is involved in clearing the mouth, inserting an oral airway, assisting with intubation, oxygen therapy and assessing continually the patient's respiratory system. The nurse must also monitor the patient's vital signs, administer intravenous fluids appropriately along with medications, insert foley catheters and note urinary output. Simultaneously, the nurse constantly observes the patient's level of consciousness and neurological status. This information must be documented carefully by the nurse amidst all this apparent chaos. This can be done only when good assessment skills, combined with knowledge of diagnosis, treatment and appropriate nursing intervention, aid the Emergency Nurse in setting priorities in the Emergency care of the head injured patient.