ACUTE NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE: THE NURSE'S ROLE IN TREATING PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

Authors

  • Kameliya Evtimova South West University "Neofit Rilski," Faculty of Public Health, Health Care, and Sports, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
  • Rositsa Doynovska South West University "Neofit Rilski," Faculty of Public Health, Health Care, and Sports, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

Keywords:

traumatic brain injuries, nurses, professional training

Abstract

Acute neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), require rapid and coordinated medical interventions, in which nurses play a crucial role. This study aims to evaluate their professional preparation, practical experience, and competencies in providing initial care and managing patients with TBIs in emergency departments. The study involves 92 nurses, with an average age of 44.6 years. Nearly 40% of participants have more than 15 years of professional experience, but only 36% have undergone specialized training, highlighting the need for additional education. The results show that 39% of nurses rate their preparedness for working with TBI patients as unsatisfactory, while only 12% consider it very good. The main challenges include a lack of resources (42%), insufficient knowledge and skills (27%), and limited communication with medical teams (15%). The use of the Glasgow Coma Scale as a diagnostic tool is limited only 9% of nurses use it routinely, reflecting the need for better training and the implementation of standardized practices. According to the participants, the most important measures for improving care are ensuring adequate resources and conducting additional training. The study's conclusions emphasize the need for investments in qualification improvement, enhancement of equipment, and promotion of team communication to raise the quality of nursing care and achieve better outcomes for patients with TBIs.

References

Auburtin, M., Wolff, M., Charpentier, J., Varon, E., Le Tulzo, Y., Girault, C., Mohammedi, I., Renard, B., Mourvillier, B., Bruneel, F., Ricard, J.D., & Timsit, J.F. (2006). Detrimental role of delayed antibiotic administration and penicillin-nonsusceptible strains in adult intensive care unit patients with pneumococcal meningitis: the PNEUMOREA prospective multicenter study. Crit Care Med. 34(11):2758-65.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Mild TBI and Concussion. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/concussion/symptoms.htm

Feigin, V.L., & Vos, T. (2019). Global burden of neurological disorders: From global burden of disease estimates to actions. Neuroepidemiology. 52:1–2.

Lulla, A., Lumba-Brown, A., Totten, A.M., et al. (2023). Prehospital guidelines for the management of traumatic brain injury—3rd edition. Prehosp Emerg Care. 27(5):507-538

Maas, A.I.R., Menon, D.K., Adelson, P.D., et al. (2017). Traumatic brain injury: integrated approaches to improve prevention, clinical care, and research. Lancet Neurol. 16(12):987-1048.

McNett, M., Doheny, M., Sedlak, C.A., & Ludwick, R. (2010). Judgments of critical care nurses about risk for secondary brain injury. Am J Crit Care. 19(3):250-60

Sariaslan, A., Sharp, D.J., D'Onofrio, B.M., Larsson, H., & Fazel, S. (2016). Long-Term Outcomes Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury in Childhood and Adolescence: A Nationwide Swedish Cohort Study of a Wide Range of Medical and Social Outcomes. PLoS Med. 23;13(8): e1002103.

Shehab, M., Ibrahim, N., & Abd-Elkader, H. (2018). Impact of an Educational Program on Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Care of Traumatic Brain İnjury Patients at Intensive Care Unit at Suez Canal University Hospital. Int. J. Caring Sci. 17:1–3.

online: https://www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org/docs/53_sarby_original_10_2.pdf

World Health Organization. Neurological disorders: Public health challenges. Geneva, Switzerland 2006.

Yue, J.K., & Deng, H. (2023). Traumatic Brain Injury: Contemporary Challenges and the Path to Progress. J Clin Med. 5;12(9):3283.

Zrelak, P., Eigsti, J., Fetzick, A., & Gebhardt, A. (2020), Evidence-Based Review: Nursing Care of Adults with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Am. Assoc. Neurosci. Nurses. 42:1–42. online: http://aann.org/uploads/Publications/CPGs/AANN20_sTBI_EBR.pdf

Downloads

Published

2025-04-25

How to Cite

Evtimova, K., & Doynovska, R. (2025). ACUTE NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE: THE NURSE’S ROLE IN TREATING PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI). KNOWLEDGE - International Journal , 67(4), 535–541. Retrieved from https://ojs.ikm.mk/index.php/kij/article/view/7421