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Question: 1 / 110
A man was struck in the side of the head with a steel pipe. Blood-tinged fluid is draining from the ear and bruising appears behind the ear. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
applying high-flow oxygen and packing the ear with sterile gauze pads.
In this scenario, the patient is displaying signs of a basilar skull fracture, which is a serious injury that requires immediate attention. Applying high-flow oxygen is important to ensure adequate oxygenation. Packing the ear with sterile gauze pads can help control the drainage of blood-tinged fluid and protect the ear from further contamination or infection.
Managing the airway and providing oxygen is crucial in head trauma cases to ensure the patient's brain is adequately oxygenated. The other options do not address the immediate concerns of airway management, potential infection control, and providing oxygen to the patient, making them less appropriate treatments for this specific situation.
controlling the drainage from the ear and immobilizing the entire spine.
elevating the lower extremities and providing immediate transport.
immobilizing the spine, administering oxygen, and monitoring for vomiting.