Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What surgical procedure is used to evacuate a hematoma in cases of head injury?

1. Craniotomy

2. Corticosteroid injection

3. Spinal tap

4. Craniectomy

The correct answer is: Craniotomy

A craniotomy is the surgical procedure utilized to evacuate a hematoma in cases of head injury. This procedure involves creating an opening in the skull to allow for direct access to the brain and the surrounding structures. When a hematoma forms due to bleeding within the skull, it can increase intracranial pressure and necessitate prompt intervention to prevent further brain injury. During a craniotomy, the surgeon carefully removes a portion of the skull, which provides the necessary visualization and access to evacuate the hematoma and assess the condition of the brain. After the hematoma is removed and any other necessary repairs are made, the bone flap is typically replaced, and the scalp is closed. In contrast, corticosteroid injection is not a surgical procedure and is used for reducing inflammation in various conditions but not for addressing hematomas in the brain. A spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, is a procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid, primarily for diagnostic purposes or to relieve pressure, rather than for evacuating a cranial hematoma. A craniectomy involves the removal of a portion of the skull but does not necessarily involve repair, making it less suitable for direct evacuation of a hematoma compared to a craniotomy.