Which action is NOT recommended in prehospital care of suspected TBI?

Which action is NOT recommended in prehospital care of suspected TBI?

• A. Secure airway with cervical spine protection
• B. Administer hypertonic saline prehospital to all patients
• C. Maintain normothermia
• D. Avoid hypoxemia

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that prehospital TBI care focuses on preventing secondary brain injury by securing the airway and breathing with cervical spine protection, avoiding hypoxemia, maintaining normothermia, and getting the patient to definitive care quickly. Administering hypertonic saline prehospital to all patients is not recommended because there is no clear, consistent benefit that justifies routine use in the field, and it carries risks and logistical challenges. Hypertonic saline may be considered in specific, tightly controlled situations and protocols, but it is not a universal prehospital intervention for every suspected TBI. In contrast, securing the airway with cervical spine protection, avoiding hypoxemia, and maintaining normothermia are well-supported, universally applied priorities that help minimize secondary brain injury while awaiting definitive care.

The main idea is that prehospital TBI care focuses on preventing secondary brain injury by securing the airway and breathing with cervical spine protection, avoiding hypoxemia, maintaining normothermia, and getting the patient to definitive care quickly. Administering hypertonic saline prehospital to all patients is not recommended because there is no clear, consistent benefit that justifies routine use in the field, and it carries risks and logistical challenges. Hypertonic saline may be considered in specific, tightly controlled situations and protocols, but it is not a universal prehospital intervention for every suspected TBI. In contrast, securing the airway with cervical spine protection, avoiding hypoxemia, and maintaining normothermia are well-supported, universally applied priorities that help minimize secondary brain injury while awaiting definitive care.