Final answer:
The effectiveness of positive-pressure ventilations in a head-injured patient is best assessed by immediate reassessment following the intervention to observe changes in respiratory and circulatory status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effectiveness of positive-pressure ventilations in treating a head-injured patient is best assessed by immediate reassessment following the intervention. This involves monitoring vital signs such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and neurological status right after providing the ventilation. Immediate reassessment allows healthcare providers to determine if the intervention is improving the patient’s respiratory and circulatory status, which is crucial for preventing further brain damage due to hypoxia.
While a decrease in heart rate during ventilations or after a set period might indicate an improvement, such measures alone are not sufficient to completely assess the effectiveness of the intervention. The opinion of a neurosurgeon or emergency department physician is indeed valuable for long-term management but is not the sole determinant for the immediate efficacy of the treatment.
Therefore, the final answer to the question is: b) immediate reassessment following the intervention.