A 35-year-old patient arrives in the emergency department with severe facial injuries from a motor vehicle accident. Upon examination, you notice misalignment of the jaw, inability to close the mouth properly, and bleeding from the mouth. What is the most appropriate course of action?
Assess and secure the airway, then control hemorrhage and immobilize the cervical spine if not already done
Immediately apply a mandibular splint to realign the jaw
Provide intravenous pain medications to reduce discomfort
Maintaining airway patency is the highest priority in managing patients with significant maxillofacial trauma, primarily when it could potentially compromise the airway. Splinting the mandible and controlling hemorrhage are important but secondary to ensuring the patient can breathe adequately. Administering pain medication, while necessary for comfort, does not address the immediate threat to the airway.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why is airway management prioritized in maxillofacial trauma?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What techniques can be used to control hemorrhage in maxillofacial injuries?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the potential complications of not immobilizing the cervical spine in trauma patients?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Maxillofacial and Ocular Emergencies
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access