Paramedics bring a 31-year-old male construction worker to the trauma bay shortly after he… — USMLE Step 2 CK

Paramedics bring a $31$ -year-old male construction worker to the trauma bay shortly after he plunged $9$ meters ( $30$ feet) off a roof. On primary survey, he is unresponsive, prompting immediate endotracheal intubation for airway protection. Before induction, his Glasgow Coma Scale score was calculated at $6$ (Eyes $1$ , Verbal $2$ , Motor $3$ ). Current vital signs demonstrate severe hemodynamic instability with a blood pressure of $72/40$ mm Hg and a heart rate of $142$ /min. Cranial nerve assessment shows anisocoria; the right pupil is dilated to $8$ mm and fixed, whereas the left pupil is $3$ mm and sluggish. Palpation of the abdomen reveals board-like rigidity and significant distension. The pelvis is stable. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A
Noncontrast computed tomography of the head
B
Placement of a nasogastric tube for gastric decompression
Focused assessment with sonography for traumaAnswer
D
Immediate intravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
E
Delaying surgical intervention until a surrogate provides consent

Answer

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma

The correct answer is focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST). This patient presents with polytrauma, exhibiting signs of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and impending right uncal herniation (fixed, dilated right pupil). However, he is also in profound hemorrhagic shock, highly likely secondary to intra-abdominal hemorrhage given his board-like, distended abdomen. According to Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) principles, evaluation and management must follow the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) sequence. While a CT scan of the head is the definitive diagnostic study for his TBI, it falls under 'Disability' and the secondary survey. Taking a hemodynamically unstable patient to the CT scanner is strictly contraindicated due to the high risk of sudden cardiac arrest away from optimal resuscitation resources. Therefore, securing 'Circulation' by rapidly identifying the source of bleeding with a FAST exam (or proceeding directly to exploratory laparotomy) is the most appropriate next step.

Step-by-Step Solution

Assess airway and breathing

The patient presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6 and was immediately intubated to protect the airway.

Airway protection is always the first priority (Step A) in the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) algorithm.

Evaluate circulation and hemodynamic status

The patient is in profound hemorrhagic shock (blood pressure 72/40 mm Hg, heart rate 142/min) accompanied by a rigid, distended abdomen.

Hypotension in the setting of trauma implies active bleeding, which must be addressed immediately to prevent cardiovascular collapse.

Determine the diagnostic priority amidst competing severe injuries

A focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is indicated to quickly confirm intra-abdominal hemorrhage.

Although the patient exhibits clear signs of severe traumatic brain injury and impending uncal herniation (fixed, dilated right pupil), cardiovascular stabilization and hemorrhage control take absolute precedence over neurosurgical imaging.

Key Concept

In polytrauma patients presenting with both severe traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock, identifying and controlling the source of hemorrhage (via FAST and subsequent laparotomy) must precede neurosurgical imaging, as transporting unstable patients to the CT scanner is contraindicated.

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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