A 62-year-old female with severe kyphosis has fallen and hit the back of her head, which is oozing blood from a small laceration. Family members state that she suddenly complained of a "very bad headache" before collapsing to the kitchen floor. She has snoring respirations and cyanosis in the extremities. Of the following interventions, which one should you do first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's snoring respirations suggest airway obstruction, which could be due to the patient's severe kyphosis or altered mental status from the head injury. The jaw-thrust maneuver should be the first intervention to open the airway before any further treatment can be performed.

A 62-Year-Old Female with Severe Kyphosis Has Fallen and Hit