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

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

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What type of hematoma is associated with temporal or parietal fractures?

Subdural hematoma
Epidural hematoma
Intracerebral hematoma
Chronic hematoma

The correct answer is: Epidural hematoma

The connection between temporal or parietal fractures and epidural hematomas is significant in the context of cranial injuries. Epidural hematomas are typically associated with skull fractures, particularly in the temporal and parietal regions, where the middle meningeal artery runs close to the inner table of the skull. When a fracture occurs in these areas, it can result in the rupture of the middle meningeal artery, leading to the accumulation of blood between the outer layer of the dura mater and the inner table of the skull. This type of hematoma is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms due to the arterial nature of the bleeding, often presenting as an initial loss of consciousness followed by a "lucid interval" before deterioration occurs. Understanding the relationship between skull fractures and specific types of hematomas is crucial in managing traumatic brain injury patients effectively.