Your patient was the driver of a car that stopped suddenly when she hit a pole. She was not wearing her seatbelt and has a bruise on her neck. When you question her, she speaks very softly and seems to have a raspy voice. Is this significant or just a sign of nervousness about the collision?
A. No, many patients get quiet after a motor vehicle crash
B. Yes, if she were nervous, she would be more excited
C. No, but the bruise could mean that she has significant bleeding
D. Yes, low volume and raspy tone could be due to airway swelling from neck or laryngeal trauma
Answer: D