After the initial assessment, an intravenous (IV) catheter should be placed and blood drawn for an extended database (venous and arterial blood gas values, complete blood count CBC and biochemistry). Collection of blood from the jugular vein is contraindicated because occlusion of the vein decreases venous outflow from the brain, therefore, increasing intracranial pressure (ICP; Fletcher, 2012). The packed cell volume (PCV) and total solids (TS) value are used to check for haemorrhage. The bloodglucose level is monitored to ensure that the patient is not hypoglycaemic and is supplemented only until the level is normal.
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