Question

After striking his head on a tree while falling from a ladder, a young man age 18 is admitted to the emergency department. He's unconscious and his pupils are nonreactive. Which intervention would be the most dangerous for the client?

A. Give him a barbiturate.
B. Place him on mechanical ventilation.
C. Perform a lumbar puncture.
D. Elevate the head of his bed.

Answer 1

Giving the young man a barbiturate would be the most dangerous intervention in this case.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most dangerous intervention for the client in this situation would be to give him a barbiturate. Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants and can further depress brain function in a person with a head injury, potentially leading to respiratory depression or worsening of the coma. Elevated blood pressure, increased intracranial pressure, and decreased cerebral perfusion are potential complications associated with barbiturate administration in this scenario.