A male struck in the head exhibits confusion and a large hematoma. What is the next step after stabilizing his head?

In the context of a patient who has sustained a head injury presenting with confusion and a large hematoma, the priority after stabilizing the head is to administer high-flow oxygen. This is crucial because head injuries can lead to a compromised airway and reduced oxygenation to the brain, which increases the risk of secondary brain injury. Providing supplemental oxygen can help maintain adequate oxygen delivery to vital organs and support overall brain function, especially in cases of potential hypoxia.

While other interventions such as performing a neurologic exam or applying ice to the hematoma may be important, they are secondary to ensuring the patient has sufficient oxygenation. A neurologic exam might assess the severity of the injury, but it is critical to first ensure that the patient is getting enough oxygen to the brain to avoid exacerbating any potential complications. Similarly, while palpating the radial pulses is necessary for assessing circulation, it does not address the immediate needs of a patient who may be at risk for compromised respiratory function due to his head injury. Thus, administering high-flow oxygen takes priority in this scenario.