A Patient Is in the Emergency Department After Sustaining a Blow

question 2

Multiple Choice

A patient is in the emergency department after sustaining a blow to the head in a motor vehicle accident. The patient's Glasgow Coma score (GCS) is 14 and the patient is drowsy. The patient has a small amount of blood in one external auditory canal. Which is a priority in diagnosing the extent of injury in this patient?

• A) Close monitoring of pulse, respiration, and oxygenation
• B) Continued assessment of neurological status
• C) Magnetic resonance imaging of the head
• D) Non-enhanced computed tomography of the head

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Definitions:

Secondary Appraisal

The evaluation of one's ability to cope with or manage the consequences of a stressful event after recognizing it as a threat or challenge.

Primary Appraisal

The initial evaluation process where a person assesses the significance of a stressor or event.

Nonorganic Failure to Thrive

Describes a condition seen in infants and young children who do not gain weight or grow as expected without a clear medical cause, often linked to emotional deprivation or poor caregiving environments.

Undernutrition

A form of malnutrition resulting from not getting enough nutrients, leading to various health issues due to inadequate food intake or poor absorption of nutrients.