Your patient is a 12-year-old boy who was struck in the right temporal area of the head with a baseball. He had a brief loss of consciousness and is alert on your arrival. You note that he is becoming drowsy and has a strong radial pulse of 60, a blood pressure of 140/70, and a respiratory rate of 12. Which of the following best describes this patient's condition?
A) He is stable, and he most likely has a subarachnoid hemorrhage with no increase in intracranial pressure.
B) He is critical, and he most likely has an epidural hematoma with rapidly increasing intracranial pressure.
C) He is stable, and he most likely has a mild diffuse axonal injury with no increase in intracranial pressure.
D) He is serious, and he most likely has a subdural hematoma with an increase in intracranial pressure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's drowsiness and strong radial pulse with a normal respiratory rate suggest an increase in intracranial pressure from a possible epidural hematoma. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The other options are less likely based on the presentation of the patient.

Your Patient Is a 12-Year-Old Boy Who Was Struck in the Right