Question

A 30-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is unconscious with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6. Airway is compromised with snoring respirations. According to the ABCDE approach, what is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Stabilise cervical spine and perform airway opening manoeuvres, preparing for intubation

Answer

Insert a urinary catheter to monitor output

Answer

Order an urgent CT scan of the head

Answer

Start IV mannitol for presumed raised intracranial pressure

Answer

Place the patient in the recovery position and observe

Practice question

A 30-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is unconscious with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6. Airway is compromised with snoring respirations. According to the ABCDE approach, what is the most appropriate immediate intervention?