A discharge teaching scenario: which statement indicates additional teaching is needed?

• A. We will call the doctor immediately if vomiting occurs.
• B. We won't give anything stronger than Tylenol for headache.
• C. We will provide for uninterrupted sleep when we get home.
• D. We know continued amnesia regarding the events of the injury is expected.

Answer: (C)

Caregivers must understand how to monitor a child at home after a head injury. After such injuries, you want to observe for changes in alertness, behavior, vomiting, or any new signs rather than letting the child sleep uninterrupted through a observation window. Providing for uninterrupted sleep at home signals a gap in this understanding and means additional teaching is needed.

In contrast, planning to call the doctor if vomiting occurs is appropriate because vomiting can indicate evolving problems. Using acetaminophen for a headache is a reasonable pain-management choice, avoiding stronger medications unless advised. Some memory gaps around the time of injury can occur, but ongoing amnesia would be a warning sign that requires medical evaluation.