Question

You are assessing a 35-year-old female patient who fell and struck her head while skiing. She is confused about the day of the week, and she does not remember falling, although a witness says that she collided with a tree. She was wearing a helmet at the time, according to bystanders. On the basis of what you know already, what is her priority?

1) Unstable
2) Stable
3) Potentially unstable
4) Potentially stable

Answer 1

The priority for the patient would be potentially unstable due to the possibility of a traumatic brain injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the symptoms described, the priority for the 35-year-old female patient who fell and struck her head while skiing would be Potentially unstable.

The patient's confusion and lack of memory for the event, combined with the witness report of a collision with a tree and the possibility of a head injury, indicate a potential traumatic brain injury. This raises concerns for intracranial bleeding or swelling, which can be life-threatening.

It is important for the patient to receive immediate medical attention and further evaluation to assess the severity of the injury and provide appropriate treatment.