You have been called by family members for their mother, who is 'not acting right.' At the scene, the family informs you that they are concerned because their 68-year-old mother has been complaining of a headache for two days and is now very confused. When asking about a bruise on the right side of her forehead, the family states she fell in church a week ago and hit her head. Since all other aspects of the assessment are unremarkable, you suspect a head injury. Which type of injury would you suspect given the findings and history?

Here are some first aid steps you can take for head trauma while waiting for emergency medical help: Keep the person still: Have the injured person lie down with their head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary, and avoid moving their neck. Stop any bleeding: Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to apply firm pressure to the wound. If you suspect a skull fracture, don't apply direct pressure to the wound. Monitor breathing and alertness: If the person shows no signs of circulation, begin CPR. Keep the head in line with the spine: If the injury is serious,... Show more

Here are some first aid steps you can take for head trauma while waiting for emergency medical help:
Keep the person still: Have the injured person lie down with their head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary, and avoid moving their neck.
Stop any bleeding: Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to apply firm pressure to the wound. If you suspect a skull fracture, don't apply direct pressure to the wound.
Monitor breathing and alertness: If the person shows no signs of circulation, begin CPR.
Keep the head in line with the spine: If the injury is serious, be careful not to move the person's head.
Hold something cold against the injury: This can reduce swelling. 

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