A patient with a traumatic brain injury is showing signs of having pain. What would be the medication of choice for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Propofol is a sedative-hypnotic anesthetic and not used for this patient.
2. There is no evidence to support the use of meperidine for treating the pain associated with a traumatic brain injury.
3. The patient with a head injury may experience significant pain either from the head injury or from other injuries incurred in the traumatic event. Morphine is most widely used because it has a high level of efficacy and safety yet is minimally sedating. If necessary for a neurologic assessment, it can be reversed with Narcan.
4. Fentanyl is used cautiously because it results in a mild but definite increase in intracranial pressure.

A Patient with a Traumatic Brain Injury Is Showing Signs