Which statement best reflects discharge instructions for an adolescent with a mild concussion?

Which statement best reflects discharge instructions for an adolescent with a mild concussion?

• A. Symptoms may last hours to weeks
• B. Return to the emergency department for worsening headache
• C. Monitor for increased intracranial pressure
• D. Awaken the client every two hours

Answer: (B)

Recognizing red flags after a concussion and knowing when to seek urgent care is what this item tests. The best discharge instruction is to return to the emergency department if the headache worsens. A worsening headache can signal a more serious brain issue, such as bleeding or swelling, and needs prompt evaluation to prevent complications. This provides a clear, actionable step for caregivers during recovery and helps ensure timely medical assessment if the condition deteriorates. Saying that symptoms may last hours to weeks describes the typical course but doesn’t guide what to do if things get worse, so it’s less protective as discharge guidance. Saying to monitor for increased intracranial pressure is vague for a lay caregiver and isn’t a concrete action. Awakening the adolescent every two hours is not appropriate for routine monitoring and can disrupt recovery; standard guidance focuses on normal sleep and watching for red flags rather than frequent awakenings.

Recognizing red flags after a concussion and knowing when to seek urgent care is what this item tests. The best discharge instruction is to return to the emergency department if the headache worsens. A worsening headache can signal a more serious brain issue, such as bleeding or swelling, and needs prompt evaluation to prevent complications. This provides a clear, actionable step for caregivers during recovery and helps ensure timely medical assessment if the condition deteriorates.

Saying that symptoms may last hours to weeks describes the typical course but doesn’t guide what to do if things get worse, so it’s less protective as discharge guidance. Saying to monitor for increased intracranial pressure is vague for a lay caregiver and isn’t a concrete action. Awakening the adolescent every two hours is not appropriate for routine monitoring and can disrupt recovery; standard guidance focuses on normal sleep and watching for red flags rather than frequent awakenings.