A patient with multiple traumatic injuries has a Glasgow Coma Scale of 6. Which intervention should the nurse prepare for?

A patient with multiple traumatic injuries has a Glasgow Coma Scale of 6. Which intervention should the nurse prepare for?

• A. Administer morphine
• B. Sit them up to 30 degrees
• C. Endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation
• D. Start physical therapy

Answer: (C)

A Glasgow Coma Scale of 6 means the patient cannot protect the airway and is at high risk for airway obstruction and hypoventilation, which can worsen brain injury if not addressed promptly. In severe trauma with suspected brain injury, securing the airway and providing controlled ventilation is the priority to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent secondary injury. Endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation is the appropriate step, typically using rapid sequence intubation with inline cervical spine stabilization to protect the airway while minimizing neck movement. Once the airway is secured, ventilation can be controlled to maintain normal or near-normal CO2 levels, which helps manage intracranial pressure. Sitting the patient up or starting physical therapy would not stabilize the airway in this scenario and could delay essential intervention. Administering morphine is avoided because it depresses respiration and can worsen hypoxia in a patient who already has compromised consciousness and airway protective reflexes. The focus here is immediate airway protection and ventilation support to prevent further brain injury.

A Glasgow Coma Scale of 6 means the patient cannot protect the airway and is at high risk for airway obstruction and hypoventilation, which can worsen brain injury if not addressed promptly. In severe trauma with suspected brain injury, securing the airway and providing controlled ventilation is the priority to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent secondary injury. Endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation is the appropriate step, typically using rapid sequence intubation with inline cervical spine stabilization to protect the airway while minimizing neck movement. Once the airway is secured, ventilation can be controlled to maintain normal or near-normal CO2 levels, which helps manage intracranial pressure. Sitting the patient up or starting physical therapy would not stabilize the airway in this scenario and could delay essential intervention. Administering morphine is avoided because it depresses respiration and can worsen hypoxia in a patient who already has compromised consciousness and airway protective reflexes. The focus here is immediate airway protection and ventilation support to prevent further brain injury.