**Core Concept:**
The core concept being tested in this question is the assessment of neurological and cardiovascular status following a severe trauma, specifically a car accident. The examination focuses on motor function, sensory function, consciousness, and vital signs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The correct answer, **D. Spinal Cord Injury**, is based on the patient's inability to move his four extremities, even though he is alert, oriented, and has normal vital signs. This indicates a spinal cord injury (SCI) at some level, preventing the patient from moving his limbs. The warm and pink extremities indicate adequate perfusion despite low blood pressure, which is common in the early phase of SCI due to vasoconstriction and increased vascular resistance.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Spinal Cord Injury (A)**: Although the patient is unable to move his extremities, the other symptoms and signs (alert, oriented, normal vital signs) suggest a different diagnosis.
B. **Brain Injury (B)**: The patient has normal consciousness and vital signs, making brain injury unlikely.
C. **Cardiovascular Collapse (C)**: The patient has a systolic blood pressure of 70 mmHg, which is low. However, the warm and pink extremities indicate adequate perfusion, making cardiovascular collapse less likely.
D. **Neurogenic Cardiomyopathy (E)**: This term is not a common medical term, and the patient's warm and pink extremities make neurogenic cardiomyopathy unlikely.
**Clinical Pearl:**
In the context of trauma patients, it is crucial to consider the timing of symptoms and signs in relation to the injury, as well as the presence or absence of other associated manifestations. In this case, the patient is alert and oriented with normal vital signs, making other diagnoses more likely.
**Correct Answer:** D. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
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A 30-year-old male presents to the emergency department following a car accident with a broken windshield. He is conscious and oriented, with normal vital signs (heart rate of 54 bpm and blood pressure of 70/40 mmHg). His extremities are warm and pink, indicating adequate perfusion. The patient is unable to move his extremities, which is a classic symptom of spinal cord injury.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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