A 15-year-old female was struck in the mouth with a baseball bat. She has lost her front teeth and is spitting blood. The EMT's priority concern when caring for this patient would be:

Question

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The most immediate concern for this patient is likely airway compromise, as the trauma to the mouth and potential loss of teeth may result in bleeding and obstruction of the airway. The EMT should assess for any signs of airway compromise, such as difficulty breathing, stridor, or cyanosis, and intervene quickly as needed to maintain the patient's airway. While blood loss is a concern, it may not be as immediate a threat as airway compromise in this case. Jaw fracture and seizure activity may also be concerns, but they are less immediate priorities than ensuring the patient's ability to breathe.

A 15-Year-Old Female Was Struck in the Mouth with a Baseball