Question

A 35-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed road traffic collision. He is agitated and complaining of severe chest pain. Observations are: airway patent, respiratory rate 32, oxygen saturation 90% on air, pulse 130 bpm, blood pressure 80/50 mmHg. You are the first doctor to assess him. What is the most appropriate initial approach?

Accepted Answer

Perform airway assessment, immobilise the cervical spine, give high-flow oxygen and proceed with an ABCDE assessment

Answer

Immediate CT trauma scan before assessment

Answer

Focus on controlling pain first with IV opioids

Answer

Ask about past medical history and drug allergies before any intervention

Answer

Perform a full neurological examination before assessing airway and breathing

Practice question