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Capacity in intoxicated head injury — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardPsychiatric emergenciesCapacity in intoxicated head injuryRCPSC EM

A 40-year-old intoxicated cyclist with head trauma tries to leave before CT. He is confused, repeats questions, and cannot explain the risk of intracranial bleeding. GCS is 14 and there is vomiting in the ED. What is the most appropriate next step?

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

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Correct answer: B — Temporarily prevent departure and proceed with emergency assessment in his best interests

Temporarily prevent departure and proceed with emergency assessment in his best interests is correct: the clues indicate Capacity in intoxicated head injury and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: Canadian ED capacity and consent practice