Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is the most common type of bleeding associated with a contusion of the brain?

1. Venous bleeding

2. Capillary bleeding

3. Arterial bleeding

4. Hemorrhagic stroke

The correct answer is: Arterial bleeding

When considering the type of bleeding associated with a brain contusion, it is important to recognize the nature of the injury. A brain contusion is the result of the brain being bruised due to trauma, typically caused by a direct blow to the head or a violent shaking motion. In cases of brain contusions, arterial bleeding is the most common type encountered. This is primarily due to the fact that significant forces can disrupt arterial blood vessels within the brain. The injured areas of the brain can also lead to the rupture of small, penetrating arteries, particularly if the contusion is severe. Since these vessels are under higher pressure, any injury can lead to rapid accumulation of blood in the surrounding tissue, resulting in an increased risk for hematoma formation. While venous bleeding and capillary bleeding do occur in brain injuries, they generally do not account for the most significant hematoma formation associated with contusions. Moreover, hemorrhagic strokes, while possibly involving contusions, refer specifically to a different pathological process involving bleeding within the brain due to rupture of blood vessels, often distinguished from contusion-related injuries. Thus, the predominant mechanism of bleeding from a contusion emphasizes the role of arterial damage.