A 35-year-old male arrives at the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He shows signs of respiratory distress and a large hematoma is noticed in his neck region. What is the most appropriate initial management step?
Immobilize the cervical spine
Monitor vital signs and observe the patient
Secure the airway
Obtain a CT scan of the neck
For a patient presenting with respiratory distress and a neck hematoma following trauma, securing the airway is the most critical initial step. Edema or expanding hematoma can quickly compromise the airway, therefore, early airway control can prevent deterioration. Other interventions like cervical spine immobilization, obtaining imaging, or monitoring for vascular injury are important but secondary to airway management.
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
All Nursing and Medical Assistants Package plans include the following perks and exams .
Our pricing is simple. Full access to all certifications and exams in each package, for one price.
As many practice tests for as many topics as you want.
Use study mode non-stop, no limits.
Access to our AI assistant, Bash, trained to help you pass your exam.
Track your scores over time in study mode and report cards.
See how you improve over time, and where you need to focus.
All Nursing and Medical Assistants Package plans include unlimited access to the following study materials.
Create an account or sign in to access our study materials.