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Swelling of the right upper lid with eccymosis. The entry wound is seen clearly.		CT scan showing fever thermometer in the orbit above the globe.

This 2-year-old boy was holding a fever thermometer in his hand when he suddenly fell, putting his hand containing the thermometer in front of himself to break the fall. This resulted in the thermometer being thrust into his orbit, just above the globe. The tip broke off and cannot be seen, and its possible location is indicated only by the entrance wound and the CT scan image. This injury took place three hours ago.

1.	How would you manage this case at this point?
	a. Send the patient home with a patch and wait for the swelling to go down. b. Use ice packs to reduce the swelling faster. c. Look at the eye and make sure it is intact and seeing. d. Advise the mother to be more careful with dangerous objects around the house. e. Keep the child in the hospital for observation.
2.	Treatment for this patient could include:
	a. Finding out when he last ate solid food and schedule a surgery time as soon as it is safe. b. Taking him to the operating room for removal. c. Starting an incision with the fresh track and follow it back to identify the object. d. Remove the object. e. all of the above
3.	The biggest danger from mercury is from:
	a. breathing mercury vapor b. even a minute of exposure c. rubbing elemental mercury on the skin d. swallowing the substance e. playing with it, such as putting it on a coin

For answers to the above, click here on or after July 12, 2011.