Altitude cerebral oedema — DipIMC MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Descend urgently with oxygen and evacuation support
Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as E
E is correct: High-altitude cerebral oedema is treated by descent and oxygen; delay can be fatal. A is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; B is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; C is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.
Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK Special Circumstances; ATACC