AEMCA Practice Exam

What clinical sign might indicate worsening of a patient with a head injury?

1. Improved motor function

2. Enhanced verbal response

3. Dilated pupils

4. Stable vital signs

The correct answer is: Dilated pupils

A dilated pupil can signify a significant neurological concern in a patient with a head injury. This clinical sign may suggest increased intracranial pressure or potential damage to the optic or oculomotor nerves. When assessing patients with head injuries, healthcare providers closely monitor pupil size and reaction to light, as changes can indicate deterioration in the patient's condition or impending complications. In contrast, improved motor function or an enhanced verbal response would typically indicate that the patient's neurological status is stabilizing or improving, which is a positive sign. Stable vital signs reflect no significant change in the body's basic functions, offering assurance that the patient's condition is currently stable. These factors do not suggest worsening; rather, they align with a more favorable prognosis.