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Penetrating eye injury — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePre-Hospital Trauma ManagementPenetrating eye injuryDipIMC

A mechanic has a high-velocity metal fragment embedded in the eye, reduced vision and an irregular pupil. The fragment is visible but fixed. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: E — Shield the eye without pressure and arrange urgent ophthalmic transfer

Option E is correct because Suspected penetrating eye injury requires protection from pressure and urgent specialist care. Option A is less appropriate because watchful waiting risks deterioration or delays definitive care; option B is less appropriate because the clinical risk exceeds that destination or timeframe. Option D is less appropriate because it is plausible in a different scenario but suboptimal for the features described; option C is less appropriate because analgesia is important but not sufficient as the primary intervention. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines