Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

A subdural hematoma is characterized by venous bleeding in the subdural space, which is located between the inner layer of the dura mater and the arachnoid mater surrounding the brain. This type of hematoma typically occurs when the fragile bridging veins that traverse this space are torn, often due to head trauma. The accumulation of blood can create pressure on the brain, leading to various neurological symptoms depending on the size of the hematoma and the rate of bleeding.

In contrast, other options describe different types of conditions. Blood accumulation in the epidural space refers to an epidural hematoma, which is usually caused by arterial bleeding and often presents forcibly with more acute symptoms, as it develops rapidly. Accidental arterial injury is related to more significant trauma often leading to this type of bleeding. A superficial scalp hematoma, on the other hand, typically involves bleeding under the skin of the scalp without penetrating the underlying structures, making it distinct from a subdural hematoma, which involves deeper layers of protection around the brain. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing and managing head injuries effectively.