A carotid artery injury should be suspected if there is which sign after blunt neck trauma?

• A. Rapidly expanding neck hematoma
• B. Fever and diaphoresis
• C. Normal pulse with normal vitals
• D. No external signs of injury

Answer: (A)

Carotid artery injuries from blunt neck trauma are life-threatening, and the most concerning clue is a rapidly expanding neck hematoma. That expanding swelling signals active arterial bleeding into neck tissues and warns of imminent airway compromise and potential cerebral ischemia. Other signs like fever with diaphoresis are nonspecific, normal vitals don’t rule out a vascular injury, and the absence of external signs can occur early. When you notice a rapidly enlarging neck hematoma, prioritize airway management, high-flow oxygen, and urgent transport, treating it as a carotid injury until proven otherwise.