Question

During your primary assessment of a 19-year-old unconscious male who experienced severe head trauma, you note that his respirations are rapid, irregular, and

shallow. He has bloody secretions draining from his mouth and nose. You should:

A pack his nostrils to stop the drainage of blood.
B. assist his ventilations with a bag valve mask.
C. immobilize his spine and transport immediately.
D. suction his oropharynx for up to 15 seconds.

Answer 1

The correct response for a patient who is unconscious with severe head trauma and has rapid, irregular, and shallow respirations with bloody secretions is to suction the oropharynx for up to 15 seconds to clear the airway.

Step-by-step explanation:

During your primary assessment of a 19-year-old unconscious male who experienced severe head trauma, and with rapid, irregular, and shallow respirations and bloody secretions from his mouth and nose, the correct course of action would be to suction his oropharynx for up to 15 seconds. It is important to clear his airway to facilitate breathing. Although assisting with a bag valve mask is another option, the priority is to remove the obstruction from his airway; therefore, suctioning is preferable. Immobilizing the spine is a critical step, but not until the airway is secured. Packing the nostrils might prevent proper evaluation of the injury and possible cerebral spinal fluid leakage. Remember not to tilt the patient's head back if you suspect a cervical spine injury and to always follow emergency protocols and guidelines for treating traumatic injuries and providing emergency care.