American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which condition is commonly associated with a combination of maxillofacial and cervical spine fractures?

1. Neck stiffness

2. Facial asymmetry

3. Respiratory distress

4. Severe headache

The correct answer is: Respiratory distress

The scenario described typically points to a concern with significant trauma, especially involving areas where critical structures intersect, such as the maxillofacial region and the cervical spine. Respiratory distress is a frequent complication in patients who have sustained both maxillofacial and cervical spine fractures due to several reasons. Firstly, maxillofacial injuries can lead to airway obstructions, which can compromise the ability to breathe effectively. Fractures in the cervical spine may impact the nervous system's regulation of respiratory function, as the cervical region houses nerves that are integral to controlling the diaphragm and other muscles involved in respiration. Additionally, swelling and hematoma formation in these regions may further exacerbate the risk of airway compromise. Therefore, respiratory distress is a potentially serious and immediate consequence of these combined injuries, necessitating swift assessment and intervention to ensure airway patency and adequate ventilation. While other conditions like neck stiffness, facial asymmetry, and severe headache could occur due to the nature of the trauma or associated injuries, they do not pose the same immediate and critical risk to life as respiratory distress. Thus, recognizing the patterns and potential complications of maxillofacial and cervical spine injuries is crucial for effective management of trauma patients.