Question

You respond to a 22-year-old male patient who fell while exiting the local bar. Bystanders state he drank at least 10 beers and could not keep his balance. Physical exam reveals that the patient is alert to verbal stimuli only. He has a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3, 4, 6; slurred speech; and an obvious scalp laceration to the back of his head. He is refusing treatment and transport and wants his friends to drive him home. The nearest hospital is 5 minutes away, a Level II Trauma Center is 10 minutes away, and a Level I Full Service Trauma Center is 30 minutes away. Which of these is the most appropriate facility for the patient?

A. The nearest community facility
B. Level II Trauma Center
C. Level I Trauma Center
D. Nowhere, since the patient is an adult and refusing; as such, you cannot take him

Answer 1

A Level I Trauma Center is the most appropriate facility for the patient. The option (C) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate facility for the patient in this scenario would be a Level I Trauma Center which is 30 minutes away. This is because the patient has a severe head injury with a scalp laceration, indicating the possibility of a traumatic brain injury.

Level I Trauma Centers are equipped with advanced resources and personnel to provide comprehensive trauma care and are well-suited to handle such cases. Therefore, option (C) is correct.