Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
A 21-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department following a high-speed motorcycle accident. He was reported to be unconscious at the scene, but upon arrival he was awake and oriented with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15. Suddenly, he becomes unconscious and mental status deteriorates to a GCS of 8. The nurse anticipates which of the following injuries?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Epidural hematoma presents with a lucid interval followed by sudden neurological decline due to rapid blood accumulation.