Altered mental status in a trauma casualty can be caused by all of the following except which?

• A. Medications from the Combat Wound Medication Pack
• B. Head injury
• C. Severe blood loss
• D. Alcohol intoxication

Answer: (A)

Altered mental status in a trauma casualty is typically driven by factors that directly affect brain function or cerebral perfusion. Head injury can damage brain tissue or raise intracranial pressure, leading to confusion or altered consciousness. Severe blood loss reduces cerebral perfusion and oxygen delivery, impairing mental status. Alcohol intoxication depresses the central nervous system and can mimic or worsen AMS. Medications from the Combat Wound Medication Pack are given to control pain and prevent infection; when used as directed, they are not a typical direct cause of altered mental status in the acute trauma setting, making them the exception among the options.