Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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What should the paramedic's first course of action be after assessing a patient with a head injury and signs of ICP?

Administer analgesics
Elevate the head of the bed
Perform a CT scan
Hyperventilate the patient

The correct answer is: Elevate the head of the bed

After assessing a patient with a head injury and signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), the most appropriate first action is to elevate the head of the bed. Elevating the head helps decrease ICP by promoting venous return from the head and facilitating improved drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This position can assist in reducing the pressure within the cranial cavity, allowing for better cerebral perfusion and oxygenation. The other options, while they may be part of the management plan, do not represent the immediate and foundational step needed in cases of increasing ICP. Administering analgesics can help with pain management but does not directly address the ICP situation. Performing a CT scan is an important step in the diagnostic process to determine the extent of the injury but should come after initial stabilization measures are taken. Hyperventilating the patient can temporarily reduce ICP by causing vasoconstriction, but it is not recommended as a first-line intervention and carries the risk of reducing cerebral blood flow if not done carefully. Overall, elevating the head of the bed is a critical and immediate step to help mitigate the effects of ICP.