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Altitude illness high-altitude cerebral edema — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardEnvironmental emergenciesAltitude illness high-altitude cerebral edemaABEM Board

A 36-year-old climber is brought from high altitude with headache and confusion. Triage acuity is ESI 1; BP 118/70 mm Hg, HR 118/min, SpO2 78% on room air. He is ataxic and disoriented. Portable oxygen is available. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Give oxygen, dexamethasone, and arrange immediate descent

High-altitude cerebral edema causes ataxia and altered mental status and requires oxygen, dexamethasone, and descent.

Reference: Wilderness Medical Society altitude illness guideline