A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of blunt trauma to the abdomen after a motor vehicle collision. Which of the following should the nurse assess first when the patient arrives in the emergency department?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Airway patency is the highest priority in any trauma patient. If the airway is compromised, the patient can become hypoxic and deteriorate rapidly, potentially leading to cardiac arrest. Once the airway is stabilized, the nurse can then assess the other areas of concern such as the abdomen, cervical spine, and neurological deficits.

A Patient Is Admitted with a Diagnosis of Blunt Trauma