Your patient has received blunt facial trauma due to an assault. For which of the following injuries should you maintain a high index of suspicion?
A) Airway obstruction
B) Hypoxia due to aspiration of blood
C) Basilar skull fracture
D) Lumbar spine trauma

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blunt facial trauma can often result in a basilar skull fracture, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to its proximity to vital structures such as the brainstem and cranial nerves. Airway obstruction and hypoxia due to aspiration of blood are also potential concerns with facial trauma but may be more immediate and readily apparent. Lumbar spine trauma is unrelated to facial trauma.

Your Patient Has Received Blunt Facial Trauma Due to an Assault