During the primary assessment of a patient with severe head trauma, what should be done if you find bloody secretions draining from the mouth and nose?

When managing a patient with severe head trauma, the presence of bloody secretions draining from the mouth and nose can indicate a potential airway compromise or a serious condition such as a skull fracture leading to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Suctioning the oropharynx is crucial in this situation to clear any secretions that may obstruct the airway.

Suctioning for up to 15 seconds helps maintain airway patency, allowing better oxygenation and ventilation. It is essential to ensure that the patient's airway is clear before providing further interventions. By removing the secretions, you reduce the risk of aspiration and facilitate better breathing.

Although other actions might seem relevant, they could either compromise the airway or delay essential care. For instance, assisting ventilations or immobilizing the spine without first clearing the airway could lead to insufficient oxygenation. Packing the nostrils could also be harmful if there is a skull fracture, as it might increase intracranial pressure or hinder the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, suctioning effectively addresses the immediate need for airway management in a case of severe head trauma with bloody secretions.