A male patient fell 20 feet from a cliff to a trail below. The primary assessment shows him to be confused, with an open airway and shallow breathing. His pulse is 72 beats per minute and his blood pressure is 78/50 mmHg. The skin is warm and flushed. The patient has no motor ability or sensation in his legs. Which one of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's presentation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient falling 20 feet from a cliff is likely to have incurred a spinal injury, leading to the lack of motor ability and sensation in his legs. The blood pressure reading of 78/50 mmHg indicates hypotension, which may also result from spine damage. Confusion and shallow breathing may occur due to head trauma, which may also be present. Therefore, the most likely cause of the patient's presentation is a spinal injury.

A Male Patient Fell 20 Feet from a Cliff to a Trail