ATLS Head Trauma 3

Question 1

A patient on warfarin presents with a GCS of 10 after a fall. CT reveals an acute subdural hematoma. What is the most critical initial pharmacologic intervention?

Accepted Answer

Reverse anticoagulation with prothrombin complex concentrate and vitamin K

Answer

Administer tranexamic acid

Answer

Start heparin infusion

Answer

Give desmopressin

Question 2

Which type of traumatic brain injury carries the highest overall mortality rate?

Accepted Answer

Acute subdural hematoma

Answer

Epidural hematoma

Answer

Diffuse axonal injury

Answer

Depressed skull fracture

Question 3

What is the recommended head-of-bed elevation for a patient with severe TBI and elevated ICP?

Accepted Answer

30 degrees

Answer

Flat (0 degrees)

Answer

15-20 degrees

Answer

45 degrees

Question 4

A patient with GCS 5 and bilateral fixed dilated pupils after blunt head trauma most likely has which condition?

Accepted Answer

Severe diffuse axonal injury with brainstem involvement

Answer

Bilateral epidural hematomas

Answer

Bilateral carotid dissection

Answer

Hypovolemic shock

Question 5

Mannitol for intracranial hypertension in trauma is administered at what dose?

Accepted Answer

0.25-1 g/kg IV bolus

Answer

0.1-0.2 g/kg IV bolus

Answer

2-3 g/kg IV bolus

Answer

5 g/kg continuous infusion

Question 6

An 8-year-old child falls from playground equipment with brief loss of consciousness. GCS is 15 with no focal deficits. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Observation for 4-6 hours with neurological checks

Answer

Discharge immediately

Answer

Obtain CT head scan

Answer

Admit for 24-hour observation with serial CT