Question

A 22-year-old man is admitted to the critical care unit after a motor vehicle collision. The emergency department nurse reports that he was unconscious at the scene of the accident, but he is now alert and oriented. Skull films show a linear fracture of the right temporal bone. He is at significant risk for:

A. scalp hematoma.
B. subdural hematoma.
C. epidural hematoma.
D. intracerebral hematoma.

Answer 1

A linear fracture of the right temporal bone in a 22-year-old man who was involved in a motor vehicle collision puts him at significant risk for epidural hematoma. Epidural hematoma occurs when there is bleeding between the skull and the outermost covering of the brain, known as the dura mater.

Step-by-step explanation:

A linear fracture of the right temporal bone in a 22-year-old man who was involved in a motor vehicle collision puts him at significant risk for C. epidural hematoma.

Epidural hematoma occurs when there is bleeding between the skull and the outermost covering of the brain, known as the dura mater. This type of hematoma is often caused by damage to the middle meningeal artery, which can occur with linear fractures of the temporal bone. As blood accumulates in the epidural space, it can put pressure on the brain and cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Timely medical intervention is crucial to prevent significant brain damage or death.