High School

A 15-year-old boy dives into a swimming pool, hits his head on the bottom, and subsequently is found to have no sensation or motor function below the nipple line. His vital signs are: T 97.9, HR 76, BP 80/40, RR 12, SPO2 84.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

1) Sepsis
2) Hypovolemic shock
3) Near drowning
4) Neurogenic shock
5) Spinal shock

Answer :

Final answer:

The most likely diagnosis for the 15-year-old boy who hit his head on the bottom of the swimming pool and subsequently has no sensation or motor function below the nipple line is neurogenic shock.

Explanation:

Neurogenic shock occurs when there is a disruption in the normal functioning of the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord. This can lead to a loss of coordination and control of the body below the affected area. In this case, the trauma to the head and subsequent loss of sensation and motor function suggest a spinal cord injury. The vital signs provided, including a low blood pressure and low oxygen saturation, also support the diagnosis of neurogenic shock.