A 9-year-old male found unconscious displays lethargy and nausea. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Prepare for the Aquifer Pediatrics Test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions to enhance your understanding. Boost your readiness for a successful exam experience!

In the case of a 9-year-old male who is found unconscious and exhibits symptoms of lethargy and nausea, the most likely diagnosis is intracranial hemorrhage. This condition can manifest with altered levels of consciousness, such as lethargy or unconsciousness, due to increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on the brain from bleeding. Nausea may also accompany these symptoms as a result of brain irritation or increased pressure within the cranial cavity.

Intracranial hemorrhage can occur due to various causes, including trauma, congenital vascular malformations, or coagulopathies. In pediatric populations, head trauma is often a leading cause, but even in the absence of a known injury, other risk factors may be present. This patient's presentation is consistent with the potential acute neurological impairment that can result from such an event, leading to severe symptoms that necessitate urgent medical attention.

The other conditions presented, while serious, do not typically initiate such a sudden onset of unconsciousness accompanied by lethargy and nausea to this degree. For instance, severe dehydration might present with other signs such as thirst, dry mucous membranes, or elevated heart rate, but it is less likely to cause immediate unconsciousness. Appendicitis often presents with

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy