Question

. A 75-year-old man fell at home and hit his head against a table. His wife reports to their daughter that he does not have cuts or scratches, but there is a small lump on his upper scalp. She does not see any blood. He is taking warfarin and an antidysrhythmic as part of his treatment for chronic atrial fibrillation. What is the main concern at this time?

Answer 1

The primary concern for the elderly man who hit his head and is on warfarin is the potential for an intracranial hemorrhage or hematoma, given that warfarin increases bleeding risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main concern for a 75-year-old man who fell and hit his head, especially while on warfarin therapy, is the risk of an intracranial hemorrhage or a hematoma. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that prevents blood clotting, and while it is beneficial for treating conditions like atrial fibrillation, it increases the risk of bleeding, especially with head injuries. Although the patient's wife does not see any blood or cuts, the presence of a lump on the scalp suggests there could be internal bleeding or a hematoma forming under the skin. Given the patient's age and use of anticoagulants, a seemingly minor head injury could still be serious. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor for signs of a worsening condition, such as changes in consciousness, severe headache, vomiting, or neurological deficits, and seek immediate medical attention if these occur.