What should be monitored in a casualty with a head injury?

When managing a casualty with a head injury, it is crucial to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. Changes in these parameters can be indicative of the casualty's overall stability and response to injury. Hypotension (low blood pressure) can suggest significant hemorrhage, while tachycardia (increased pulse) may signify compensatory mechanisms in response to hypovolemia or shock.

Monitoring these signs helps assess the severity of the injury and the casualty's physiological response. It is also essential to observe trends in these vital signs over time, as they can help determine the need for intervention and guide further medical management.

While pupil dilation is important in assessing neurological status, focusing solely on that aspect may overlook critical systemic signs like blood pressure and pulse that can indicate more extensive physiological compromise. Similarly, monitoring only for external bleeding ignores other significant indicators of head injury complications, such as increased intracranial pressure or changes in consciousness. Lastly, while gender and age can be relevant factors in overall assessment and treatment planning, they do not provide immediate insight into the casualty's current physiological state, which is why they are not prioritized in the monitoring process for head injuries.