What vital sign assessment is critical after establishing airway and breathing?

After establishing an airway and breathing, the assessment of vital signs is crucial for determining the patient's overall stability and response to any interventions. Among the listed options, a pulse check and blood pressure measurement provide essential information about the cardiovascular status of the patient.

The pulse check allows the responder to evaluate heart rate, rhythm, and strength, which are critical indicators of cardiac function. Blood pressure measurement further informs about the perfusion status of the body's organs. The combination of these two assessments helps in identifying any potential circulatory issues that may arise after managing the airway and breathing.

While respiratory rate and other assessments like skin color and temperature are important, they do not provide the immediate cardiovascular status necessary to guide further treatment decisions. Checking the pulse and blood pressure can reveal more critical insights into the patient's condition following airway and breathing management.