You have been called for a 77-year-old female with altered mental status. On scene you note the patient's inability to speak and vomitus in her airway. Her breathing is labored and inadequate, and radial pulse rapid and weak. She is not moving her right arm or right leg. Which one of the following should be your first priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's airway is partially obstructed by vomitus, and her breathing is inadequate. Thus, the first priority should be to suction her airway to clear the obstruction and improve her breathing. Once the airway is cleared, positive pressure ventilation with supplemental oxygen may be necessary. Checking blood sugar and establishing the time of stroke onset can be done later, but clearing the airway is the immediate priority. Transport to a stroke center may also be necessary, depending on the underlying cause of the altered mental status, but that can be determined once the airway and breathing are stabilized.

You Have Been Called for a 77-Year-Old Female with Altered