What is the first step in assessing an unconscious patient?

What is the first step in assessing an unconscious patient?

• A. Check for pulse
• B. Call for emergency help
• C. Check the airway
• D. Look for breathing

Answer: (A)

The correct first step in assessing an unconscious patient involves checking for breathing, which is paramount to determining the patient's immediate condition. An unconscious individual may not be breathing adequately or at all, which poses an immediate threat to their life. While checking for a pulse is important in assessing circulation, it is secondary to assessing the airway and breathing. In a patient who is unresponsive, the airway might be compromised due to relaxation of the tongue or other obstructions, and without breathing, the patient requires urgent intervention. Therefore, the initial assessment should focus on airway and breathing, typically by checking for signs of respiratory effort before seeking help or checking other vital signs.

The correct first step in assessing an unconscious patient involves checking for breathing, which is paramount to determining the patient's immediate condition. An unconscious individual may not be breathing adequately or at all, which poses an immediate threat to their life.

While checking for a pulse is important in assessing circulation, it is secondary to assessing the airway and breathing. In a patient who is unresponsive, the airway might be compromised due to relaxation of the tongue or other obstructions, and without breathing, the patient requires urgent intervention. Therefore, the initial assessment should focus on airway and breathing, typically by checking for signs of respiratory effort before seeking help or checking other vital signs.