Question

You are transporting a stable patient who was involved in a minor fall from a ladder at a height of about 10 feet to a local community hospital. You assumed full spinal precautions not only because the patient has midline back pain in the​ sacrum, but also because he was knocked unconscious. While​ transporting, the patient begins to become increasingly​ confused, develop an irregular respiratory​ rate, and experience a drop in heart rate with an increase in blood pressure. You just called in a radio report and are about 7 minutes from the hospital. A trauma center is about 10 minutes away. Which of the following is the best transport​ decision?

A. Continue transporting to the local hospital because​ you've already given your report and they accepted the patient.
B. Divert to the trauma center because the patient is becoming symptomatic.
C. Continue transporting to the local hospital because​ it's the closest facility.
D. Call medical control for advice from the trauma center.

Answer 1

The best transport decision for a patient whose condition deteriorates after a fall is to divert to a trauma center, despite initially choosing a local hospital, due to symptoms indicating potential serious traumatic injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a stable patient involved in a minor fall with a suspected spinal injury and unconsciousness becomes increasingly confused, shows an irregular respiratory rate, and experiences changes in heart rate and blood pressure, the best course of action is to reassess the transport decision. Since the initial choice of destination was a local hospital but the patient's condition is deteriorating rapidly, suggesting a potential traumatic injury with imminent threat to life or limb, diverting to a trauma center that can provide a higher level of care would be most advisable.

Therefore, the correct answer is: B. Divert to the trauma center because the patient is becoming symptomatic. Even though you've reported to the local hospital and they have accepted the patient, the patient's changing condition warrants a reassessment and access to the appropriate level of care at a trauma center.