Question 1
A 70-year-old alcoholic patient with acute lethargy, confusion, and incontinence is admitted to the hospital ED. His wife tells you that he fell down the stairs about a month ago but 'he didn't have a scratch afterward.' She feels that he has become gradually less active and sleepier over the last 10 days or so. Which of the following collaborative interventions will you implement first?
- A. Place on the hospital alcohol withdrawal protocol.
- B. Transfer to radiology for a CT scan.
- C. Insert a retention catheter to straight drainage.
- D. Give phenytoin (Dilantin) 100 mg PO.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Transfer to radiology for a CT scan.
The correct answer is B: Transfer to radiology for a CT scan. This is the first collaborative intervention to implement because the patient's history of falling down the stairs a month ago with subsequent absence of visible injuries raises concern for possible head trauma. The acute lethargy, confusion, and incontinence could be indicative of a traumatic brain injury or intracranial bleeding. A CT scan is crucial to assess for any structural brain abnormalities that may require immediate intervention. Choice A: Placing on the hospital alcohol withdrawal protocol is not the first priority as the patient's symptoms are more suggestive of a potential head injury rather than alcohol withdrawal. Choice C: Inserting a retention catheter to straight drainage may be necessary for managing incontinence, but it does not address the primary concern of assessing for potential head trauma. Choice D: Giving phenytoin (Dilantin) 100 mg PO is not appropriate as the patient's symptoms are not necessarily indicative of seizures and administering ant