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Opioid analgesia in head injury — DipIMC MCQ

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HardPharmacologyOpioid analgesia in head injuryDipIMC

A 40-year-old cyclist with suspected head injury has a painful open forearm fracture. GCS is 14, pupils equal, systolic blood pressure 132 mmHg and respiratory rate 18/min; pain score is 9/10. What is the most appropriate drug/dose?

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

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Correct answer: C — Titrate IV opioid analgesia with close neurological monitoring

Severe pain should be treated even with head injury, using titrated analgesia and repeated neurological observations. Withholding analgesia causes distress and physiological stress. Large intramuscular doses and sedative-only approaches impair assessment and increase respiratory risk.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; ATACC