Following a Fall, a Patient Is Brought to the Emergency

question 32

Multiple Choice

Following a fall, a patient is brought to the emergency department. There was a brief loss of consciousness, the patient complains of headache, has vomited twice, has a dilated pupil on the same side as a hematoma over the temporal area, and is currently having a seizure. The nurse anticipates which of the following?

• A)This is an emergency situation that is likely due to an epidural hematoma and requires surgery.
• B)This is a controlled situation once the seizure stops.
• C)This is a serious situation in which a subdural hematoma is developing and requires surgery.
• D)This is a typical situation seen with most patients who fall and will subside with observation.

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Definitions:

Pressure

The force exerted per unit area by gases, liquids, or solids on the walls of their container or on objects in contact with them.

Confining Pressure

The pressure applied equally in all directions at any given point within the earth’s crust, often affecting rock properties.

Compression

is the application of force that presses matter together, reducing its volume or causing deformation.

Tension

A force that pulls materials apart, causing stress or strain in geological contexts, such as the stretching of the Earth's crust.