Your patient is a 78-year-old male who was found lying on his bathroom floor. Emergency Medical Responders report that the patient is unresponsive with unequal pupils, and vital signs are as follows: pulse 78, respirations 20 and snoring, blood pressure 210/106, SpO₂ at 99%. The EMRs have applied oxygen by nonrebreather, and also report that the patient has a hematoma on the back of his head. Which one of the following should you do first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first priority in any unresponsive patient is to ensure an open airway with a jaw-thrust maneuver, especially in this case where the patient is snoring and has unequal pupils, which suggest possible brain injury. After ensuring the airway, the patient can be assessed for possible cervical spine injury and then moved onto a stretcher for transport. The oxygen delivery method can also be adjusted as needed.

Your Patient Is a 78-Year-Old Male Who Was Found Lying