Question

A motor vehicle accident brings three victims to the Emergency Department, and all three need radiographs. Dave Black has abrasions and pain in his right leg Paul White has displacement of his left shoulder and has become increasingly cross and drowsy The driver of the car, Mary Green, has no visible injuries but complains of a painful sternum. Which patients would cause you the most concern? What would you do?

Answer 1

Paul White would cause the most concern due to his symptoms of displacement of the left shoulder, being increasingly cross and drowsy. Immediate medical attention and transportation to the hospital is vital.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the given information, the patient that would cause the most concern is Paul White. He has a displacement of his left shoulder and has become increasingly cross and drowsy. These symptoms could indicate a more serious injury, such as a head injury or internal bleeding. In such cases, it is important to prioritize immediate medical attention and transport the patient to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

In general, any patient who exhibits signs of altered mental status, severe pain, or uncontrolled bleeding should be of concern and should receive prompt medical attention.

Answer 2

In this situation, the person causing the most concern would be Paul White. He has a dislocated left shoulder and is displaying worrying signs of becoming increasingly agitated and drowsy. These signs could suggest a possible head injury or concussion. It's crucial to seek urgent medical attention for head injuries, and Paul should be closely observed for any changes in his neurological condition.

In terms of what actions to take, prioritizing safety and medical care is essential:

1. **Paul White:** Given his symptoms, it's important to promptly assess him for a potential head injury. Conducting a neurological evaluation, which includes checking his pupils, motor skills, and cognitive state, is critical. If his condition shows any signs of deteriorating, it might be necessary to consider a CT scan to assess for any brain injury.

2. **Dave Black:** Although he has abrasions and pain in his right leg, which are concerning, they might not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. Treating his injuries and assessing for possible fractures should be a priority.

3. **Mary Green:** Despite not having visible injuries, her complaint about a painful sternum could point to hidden internal injuries. She should undergo a comprehensive physical examination, and there might be a need for diagnostic imaging (like X-rays) to rule out any concealed injuries.

In summary, the patients need to be assessed based on the seriousness of their injuries and symptoms. Paul's case demands immediate attention due to the potential head injury, while the other patients should also receive proper care based on their injuries and reported issues.