Question

A patient fell while hiking, sustaining multiple injuries. The patient had a fractured clavicle, contusion to his knees, a sprained right ankle, and a subdural hematoma. He was placed in an arm sling for the fractured clavicle and admitted, and now he awaits surgery for the hematoma. A splint was placed on the ankle

Which injury is sequenced first?
A. Fractured clavicle
B. Contusions to knees
C. Sprained ankle
D. Hematoma, subdural

Answer 1

The subdural hematoma should be sequenced first due to its severity and the immediate threat it poses to the patient's life, necessitating urgent surgical treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The injury sequenced first for the patient is the subdural hematoma. Given the clinical urgency and the fact that head and traumatic brain injuries can lead to immediate death and disability, the hematoma is considered the most serious and life-threatening condition among the patient's injuries. While the fractured clavicle, contusions to the knees, and sprained ankle are significant, they are less critical compared to the brain injury. Treatment of a subdural hematoma often requires prompt surgical intervention to alleviate pressure on the brain, which is consistent with the patient's imminent surgery.