A patient who was hit on the head with a pipe shows signs of labored breathing and incontinence. What should you do first?

A patient who was hit on the head with a pipe shows signs of labored breathing and incontinence. What should you do first?

• A. Stabilize the spine
• B. Check the airway
• C. Apply oxygen
• D. Assess circulation

Answer: (B)

Securing the airway takes priority in a trauma situation. When a head-injured patient shows signs like labored breathing and incontinence, there’s a real risk that the airway is compromised due to decreased consciousness, secretions, or vomiting. Opening and assessing the airway immediately allows you to determine if the patient can breathe adequately or needs ventilation. Because cervical spine injury may be present, use a jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway while keeping the neck in line, and suction or clear any obstructions as needed. Once the airway is open and clear, you can move on to assessing breathing and providing oxygen. Stabilizing the spine is crucial, but it should not delay ensuring a patent airway.

Securing the airway takes priority in a trauma situation. When a head-injured patient shows signs like labored breathing and incontinence, there’s a real risk that the airway is compromised due to decreased consciousness, secretions, or vomiting. Opening and assessing the airway immediately allows you to determine if the patient can breathe adequately or needs ventilation. Because cervical spine injury may be present, use a jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway while keeping the neck in line, and suction or clear any obstructions as needed. Once the airway is open and clear, you can move on to assessing breathing and providing oxygen. Stabilizing the spine is crucial, but it should not delay ensuring a patent airway.