The family members of a 72-year-old female state that the patient complained of a sudden, severe headache; had slurred speech; then became unresponsive. She responds to painful stimuli with decorticate posturing and has snoring respirations at a rate of 10 per minute. Her radial pulse is palpable but grossly irregular. According to her son, she also suffers from congestive heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. Which of the following should you do first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the patient's symptoms, it is important to first manage the airway with a modified jaw-thrust maneuver to ensure that the patient is able to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. The other interventions may be necessary, but ensuring a patent airway takes priority. Checking the patient's blood sugar may also be important, given her history of diabetes, but it is not the first priority in this case. Inserting an endotracheal tube should be reserved for patients who are not maintaining their airway despite other interventions. The cardiac monitor may also be important, but it should be done after the airway has been established.

The Family Members of a 72-Year-Old Female State That the Patient