What immediate intervention should be taken if a patient exhibits signs of an expanding hematoma?

When a patient shows signs of an expanding hematoma, the most critical immediate intervention is a prompt neurosurgical evaluation and potential intervention. An expanding hematoma can indicate increased intracranial pressure and potential brain injury, leading to serious neurological deficits or even death if not addressed quickly. Neurosurgical evaluation is essential to determine the extent of the hematoma and whether surgical intervention, such as evacuation of the hematoma, is necessary to relieve pressure on the brain.

In this scenario, it is crucial to act swiftly, as delays could result in irreversible damage to the brain. The other choices, while they may have their merits in different contexts, do not adequately address the urgent need for surgical evaluation in the case of a potentially life-threatening condition like an expanding hematoma. Monitoring or providing pain relief, for instance, may create a false sense of security and allow time for critical injury to worsen, while simply positioning the patient comfortably does not address the underlying problem. Thus, only immediate neurosurgical evaluation and intervention fully align with the urgency required for this condition.