A 39-year-old male was struck in the head by a baseball. He is confused and has slurred speech. After stabilizing his head and assessing his airway, you should:

• A. apply ice to the hematoma.
• B. administer high-flow oxygen.
• C. perform a neurologic exam.
• D. palpate his radial pulses.

Answer: (B)

In head trauma, protecting the brain from hypoxia is the priority because lack of oxygen can worsen injury and increase secondary damage. After you’ve stabilized the head and secured the airway, providing high-flow oxygen ensures the patient maintains adequate oxygenation while you continue assessment and treatment. Ice on a hematoma doesn’t address the immediate need to oxygenate, a full neurologic exam is important but comes after ensuring breathing, and checking radial pulses focuses on circulation but won’t prevent brain hypoxia. Delivering high-flow oxygen is the best immediate step to support brain perfusion and function.