Traumatic brain injury and hypotension — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Give resuscitation to avoid hypotension while expediting neurosurgical transfer

Give resuscitation to avoid hypotension while expediting neurosurgical transfer is the best answer because hypotension is a major preventable cause of secondary brain injury and should be corrected. Transport without treating the identified time-critical problem is less appropriate because movement alone may not reverse the immediate physiology; Give a large crystalloid bolus before controlling the injury is less appropriate because fluid cannot replace early control of bleeding or ventilation problems. Perform a full secondary survey before treating the abnormality and Delay intervention until arrival at hospital are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines; ATACC Manual