A 45-year-old male patient present to the emergency department with a severe head injury following a car accident. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 8, and he shows signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following interventions should be prioritized to manage his ICP?
Administering mannitol intravenously
Encouraging the patient to hyperventilate
Administering a high-dose corticosteroid
Performing a lumbar puncture immediately
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering mannitol intravenously: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps reduce ICP by drawing fluid out of brain tissue and decreasing cerebral edema, making it a priority intervention.
B. Encouraging the patient to hyperventilate: Controlled hyperventilation may reduce ICP temporarily by lowering CO₂ levels and causing cerebral vasoconstriction. However, it should only be done cautiously under close monitoring, and other ICP management techniques like mannitol administration take priority.
C. Administering a high-dose corticosteroid: Corticosteroids are generally ineffective for reducing ICP in traumatic brain injury and are typically not recommended in this scenario.
D. Performing a lumbar puncture immediately: Lumbar puncture is contraindicated in cases of increased ICP because it may lead to brain herniation due to the sudden release of pressure.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure typically drops in hypovolemic shock as blood volume decreases.
B. Warm, flushed skin. As hypovolemic shock progresses, skin becomes cool and clammy due to decreased blood flow and compensatory vasoconstriction.
C. Increased urine output. Hypovolemic shock leads to decreased urine output due to reduced renal perfusion.
D. Increased heart rate. An increased heart rate is an early compensatory response in hypovolemic shock as the body attempts to maintain cardiac output.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Influenza: Influenza typically presents with a high fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, which are not present in this case.
B. Strep Throat: Strep throat usually presents with a sore throat, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes, not nasal congestion or watery eyes.
C. Rhinitis: Rhinitis, particularly allergic rhinitis, causes symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and malaise without fever, making it the most likely diagnosis.
D. Bacterial Pharyngitis: Bacterial pharyngitis often presents with a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, but typically does not include nasal congestion or watery eyes.