An adult attends the emergency department after a head injury with a GCS of 12 on initial assessment. According to NICE guidance, how soon should a CT head be performed?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Within 1 hour of the risk factor being identified
- Step 1: NICE head injury guidance identifies risk factors that need immediate CT. Step 2. A GCS below 13 on initial assessment is an indication for CT within one hour, as are suspected open or depressed skull fracture and signs of basal skull fracture. Answer: Within 1 hour of the risk factor being identified. Why not the others: Waiting 8 or 24 hours could miss a treatable haematoma. MRI is not the first-line test and is slower.
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