You have just reached a patient in need of care from falling from a two-story building. He has a massive head laceration; displays altered respiratory pattern, bradycardia, hypertension, unequal pupils, and a decreasing level of consciousness. What is the most reasonable cause of the patient’s symptoms?
Explanation
Answer - D - Intracranial pressure displays altered respiratory pattern, bradycardia, hypertension, unequal pupils, and a decreasing level of consciousness. The rapid onset of signs and symptoms are caused by brain-stem herniation. As the pressure in the cranium increases, the brain is pushed downward through the tentorium toward the brain stem. Because the brain stem houses our cardiac and respiratory centers, the vital assigns are affected. Pre-hospital management is crucial. Immobilize the spin, elevate the head to maximize venous drainage, aggressively manage airway and intubate as soon as possible to protect airway from vomit, and prevent brain tissue swelling. Only in the event of severe deterioration should you perform hyperventilation.
