Question

A woman struck the steering wheel with her chest when her car collided with a tree. She is conscious and alert; however, she is tachypneic and diaphoretic and her pulse is rapid and irregular. What should you do

Answer 1

The correct approach in such condition that have no visible physical injury and a condition of shock which is clear by the given symptoms, is to provide complete spinal precautions during movement and transport. Rapid transport to the EMT will be helpful.

As woman is in the state of shock due to the accident that is clear by the rapid pulse, rapid breathing (tachypneic), accompanied with excessive sweating, one should help her with assisted ventilations or high flow oxygen for her.

Thus, the correct answer would be: assisted ventilations as needed or high-flow oxygen, full spinal support and precautions, keep her warm with blanket, and rapid transport.