A 35-year-old male arrives at the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He shows signs of respiratory distress and a large hematoma is noticed in his neck region. What is the most appropriate initial management step?
For a patient presenting with respiratory distress and a neck hematoma following trauma, securing the airway is the most critical initial step. Edema or expanding hematoma can quickly compromise the airway, therefore, early airway control can prevent deterioration. Other interventions like cervical spine immobilization, obtaining imaging, or monitoring for vascular injury are important but secondary to airway management.
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 securing the airway the first step in this scenario?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the signs of respiratory distress to look for?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is cervical spine immobilization important in trauma cases?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CFRN
Trauma
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