Question

An elderly patient tripped on the curb and fell on her face. She has a hematoma and swelling under the left eye. There is no external bleeding, and she denies neck or back pain or losing consciousness. In addition to the close soft tissue injury, you must suspect:

-Facial fractures
-That she is confused about why she sell
-That she is lying about the loss of consciousness
-That this type of blood loss can progress to shock

Answer 1

Facial fractures should be suspected in an elderly patient who experiences swelling and hematoma under the left eye after a fall. A strong blow to the head can cause fractures around the pterion, leading to bleeding and hematoma formation. Urgent medical attention is needed to prevent further complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the symptoms described, it is important to consider the possibility of facial fractures in the elderly patient who tripped and fell on her face. A strong blow to the lateral side of the head can cause fractures around the pterion, a clinical landmark located deep to the area where the patient experienced swelling.

The pterion is closely associated with a major branch of an artery that supplies the skull and brain's covering layers. If the underlying artery is damaged, bleeding can lead to the formation of a hematoma between the brain and interior of the skull. This accumulation of blood can exert pressure on the brain and, if left untreated, may even result in death.