Midwifery Practice Questions Related

Review Midwifery Practice Questions related questions and content

While reviewing the head CT scan of a patient following a motor vehicle accident, the AGACNP appreciates a crescent-shaped fluid collection. This most likely represents

  • A. Acute subdural hematoma
  • B. Acute epidural hematoma
  • C. Acute uncal herniation
  • D. Acute brainstem compression
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute epidural hematoma. A crescent-shaped fluid collection seen on a head CT scan following trauma is indicative of an epidural hematoma, which typically occurs due to an arterial bleed between the dura mater and the skull. This collection appears biconvex due to the restriction of the hematoma by the dura mater and is often associated with a lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration.

Explanation for Incorrect Choices:
A: Acute subdural hematoma typically presents as a crescent-shaped collection but is located between the dura mater and arachnoid mater, not between the dura mater and skull as seen in epidural hematomas.
C: Acute uncal herniation involves displacement of the uncus of the temporal lobe, leading to compression of the brainstem, but it does not manifest as a crescent-shaped fluid collection.
D: Acute brainstem compression does not typically present as a distinct crescent-shaped