In assessing the cause of the decreased level of consciousness in a client in a coma, the diagnostic procedure that would provide the most accurate information is
a. computed tomography (CT) scan.
b. detailed history of the accident.
c. physical examination.
d. skull x-ray film.
A
The primary purpose of CT scanning is to detect intracranial bleeding, space-occupying lesions, cerebral edema, and shifts of brain structures, which all could help explain the loss of con-sciousness. The history of the accident can give clues as to the nature of the injury, but will not be specific. The physical examination cannot pinpoint bleeding, lesions, cerebral edema, or shifting in structures in the brain. The x-ray is a useful tool to look for bony abnormalities and neoplasms.
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