Your patient is a young adult female who was struck by a vehicle while she was riding her bicycle. She was not wearing a helmet. She is unresponsive and has a deformity with a deep depression to the temporal area of the head. You note no bleeding and the scalp is intact. Which one of the following is the greatest threat associated with this injury?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greatest threat associated with this type of injury is damage to the brain. The deep depression to the temporal area of the head suggests a possible skull fracture, which could lead to intracranial bleeding, swelling, and damage to the brain. This patient's lack of response also indicates a potential traumatic brain injury. Fracture of the temporal bone, potential for infection, and loss of cerebrospinal fluid are all concerns, but they are secondary to the threat of brain damage.

Your Patient Is a Young Adult Female Who Was Struck