The mother of a 4-year-old boy states that he fell off the top bunk bed and hit his head. After falling, he appeared to seize for approximately 30 seconds. Presently he has nonpurposeful movement to painful stimuli, with a patent airway and slow respirations. His radial pulse is intact, and his skin is warm and dry. You note urinary incontinence. After taking manual in-line spinal stabilization, which one of the following should you do immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's presentation suggests a significant head injury with altered mental status (nonpurposeful movement to painful stimuli) and slow respirations, indicating the need for immediate airway management and ventilation support. The jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred over the head-tilt, chin-lift in cases of potential spinal injury, as it minimizes movement of the cervical spine. Positive pressure ventilation is necessary due to the inadequate spontaneous breathing indicated by slow respirations.

The Mother of a 4-Year-Old Boy States That He Fell