A conscious and alert 32-year-old was assaulted and struck in the jaw with a baseball bat. He complains of tremendous jaw pain and exhibits an unstable mandible. His airway is patent, breathing adequate, and radial pulse normal. In caring for this patient and his injury, you would:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Immobilizing the patient to a long spine board is the appropriate action for a potential spinal injury. Although the patient has an unstable mandible, stabilizing the spine takes priority in this situation. An oral airway should not be inserted since it could further aggravate the jaw injury. Suctioning the airway or starting positive pressure ventilation is not necessary as the patient's airway and breathing are already adequate.

A Conscious and Alert 32-Year-Old Was Assaulted and Struck in the Jaw