A major trauma patient is bleeding from multiple injuries 90 minutes after injury. Which drug reduces mortality when given early?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Tranexamic acid, given within 3 hours of injury

  1. Step 1: Bleeding trauma patients benefit from antifibrinolytic therapy.
  2. Step 2: The CRASH-2 trial showed that tranexamic acid given within 3 hours reduced death from bleeding.
Answer
Tranexamic acid, given within 3 hours of injury.
Why not the others: Hydroxocobalamin 5 g intravenously, given as an antidote for blood loss: Hydroxocobalamin is an antidote for cyanide poisoning. Vitamin K 10 mg slowly intravenously, given within 12 hours of injury: Vitamin K reverses warfarin and does not help acute trauma haemorrhage. Furosemide 40 mg intravenously, given to reduce intracranial pressure: Furosemide would worsen hypovolaemia.

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