A nurse is caring for an adolescent who was admitted to the emergency department with a minor head injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Pediatric head injuries range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Clinical assessment focuses on identifying signs of increased intracranial pressure and neurological dysfunction. Understanding the difference between expected minor symptoms and late, critical signs is vital for appropriate monitoring. Choice A rationale Fever is not a typical finding associated with a minor head injury. While it can occur with hypothalamic injury or systemic infection, it is not a hallmark sign of the initial presentation of a minor traumatic brain event. Choice B rationale Retinal hemorrhages are characteristic findings in non-accidental trauma, specifically shaken baby syndrome. They are not expected in a minor head injury and usually indicate significant intracranial pressure changes or shearing forces within the ocular and cranial structures. Choice C rationale Fixed and dilated pupils are late, critical signs of brain herniation and significant neurological compromise. These indicate a medical emergency rather than a minor injury, as the normal pupillary response to light should be brisk and equal. Choice D rationale Vomiting is a common finding following a minor head injury in children and adolescents. It is often a result of the initial neurological insult, though persistent or projectile vomiting may indicate a worsening of the child's intracranial pressure.