AEMCA Practice Exam

Which action is recommended if a patient exhibits signs of cognitive decline after a head injury?

1. Monitor vital signs only

2. Further assess airway status

3. Administer immediate sedation

4. Conduct a CT scan

The correct answer is: Further assess airway status

In the case of a patient showing signs of cognitive decline after a head injury, conducting a further assessment of airway status is crucial. Cognitive decline may indicate changes in the patient's consciousness or level of responsiveness that can impact their ability to maintain a patent airway. Ensuring that the patient can breathe adequately is a priority in emergency care. If their cognitive function is compromised, there is a risk that they may not be able to protect their airway or respond appropriately if they have difficulty breathing. Monitoring vital signs, while important, does not directly address the potential immediate threat to the patient's airway. Administering immediate sedation is generally not appropriate in this scenario, as sedating an already compromised patient can further decrease their level of consciousness, potentially leading to airway obstruction. Conducting a CT scan is an important step for evaluating brain injury, but it is not an immediate action to ensure the patient's safety regarding airway management. Thus, assessing and securing the airway status is the most critical action to take in this situation.