Caring for Patients With Closed Traumatic Brain Injury in Rural Settings

摘要

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged closed traumatic brain injuries (cTBIs), a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), as being a major public health matter in the United States. Statistical analysis, as well as public health data, has suggested that there are approximately 1,300 cases of cTBI per year in the United States alone. The standard of care for patients with a cTBI is to undergo diagnostic imaging, most commonly computerized tomography, which is considered to be a luxury and seldom exists in rural clinics. Despite increasing TBI awareness and publicity, healthcare providers, including advanced practice registered nurses, have yet to have a full understanding of the severity of damages that can result from a cTBI. The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of cTBI and concise clinical best practice guidelines that will aid healthcare providers in rural settings to properly diagnose, treat, and provide education for patients with cTBIs.