Question

You are transporting a victim of domestic​ violence, a​ 25-year-old female, who was struck on the head several times with a baseball bat. On the​ scene, she was responsive to verbal stimuli and was bleeding profusely from an open head wound. During​ transport, the patient becomes unresponsive. Which of the following should you do​ next?

A. Vital signs and SAMPLE history
B. Primary assessment
C. Detailed physical exam
D. Secondary assessment

Answer 1

In response to a 25-year-old female trauma patient becoming unresponsive during transport, a primary assessment should be conducted immediately to address and manage life-threatening conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient who was struck on the head several times with a baseball bat and has now become unresponsive during transport should be immediately assessed with a primary assessment. This is to ensure that life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction, bleeding, or shock are identified and managed promptly. In a patient with a traumatic head injury and deteriorating level of consciousness, it is crucial to quickly reassess airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs), and provide appropriate emergency care.

When a victim shows signs of a neurological deficit, such as unresponsiveness after a trauma, it signifies a possible severe head injury or increase in intracranial pressure, which can rapidly become life-threatening if not treated immediately. Also, given the scenario of severe head trauma, a detailed physical exam and secondary assessment can follow after the stabilization of the patient's ABCs.