You have been called by family members for their mother who is "not acting right." On scene the family informs you that they are concerned because their 68-year-old mother has been complaining of a headache for two days and is now very confused. When asking about a bruise on the right side of her forehead, the family states she fell in church a week ago and hit her head. Since all other aspects of the assessment are unremarkable, you suspect a head injury. What condition would you suspect given the findings and history?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's history of falling and hitting her head, combined with her headache and confusion, are suggestive of a subdural hematoma. This type of head injury occurs when blood collects between the dura mater (the outermost layer of the brain) and the arachnoid layer (the layer beneath the dura). Subdural hematomas can be life-threatening if they are large or if they cause pressure on the brain. It is important to transport the patient to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

You Have Been Called by Family Members for Their Mother