Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABCs)
What is the first step in assessing any emergency patient?
Check responsiveness and airway.
Chest pain radiating to the left arm suggests what emergency?
Myocardial infarction (AKA heart attack)
What does “FAST” stand for in stroke recognition?
Face, Arms, Speech, Time.
What is one common symptom people in shock often have?
Low blood pressure.
Who do you see first? A patient with chest pain or a patient with a minor fracture?
Chest pain.
A patient is not breathing but has a pulse. What’s your next step?
Begin rescue breathing (1 breath every 5–6 seconds).
A patient’s ECG shows pulseless electrical activity (PEA). What’s the treatment?
CPR and epinephrine; defibrillation is not effective.
What’s the first priority for a trauma patient with possible spinal injury?
Stabilize the cervical spine.
A patient with the flu feels dizzy when standing. What’s your initial action?
Lay the patient flat and check vitals — may be mild dehydration, not true shock.
Who do you see first? A patient with O₂ sat 85% (this is low) or a patient with fever?
Low O₂ sat — airway/breathing priority.
A trauma patient has gurgling sounds and blood in their mouth. What’s the priority action?
Suction the airway to clear obstruction.
What medication is given first in a suspected heart attack?
Aspirin.
A patient fainted but is now alert and talking. What’s your first step?
Check blood glucose and vitals — simple causes like dehydration or low sugar are likely.
What type of shock results from a severe allergic reaction?
Anaphylactic shock.
Who do you see first? A stroke patient 1 hour from onset or a patient with ankle sprain?
Stroke patient.
In an unconscious patient, why should you use a jaw-thrust maneuver instead of a head tilt–chin lift?
To protect the cervical spine if injury is suspected.
What is the most common sign of cardiac tamponade?
Beck’s triad: muffled heart sounds, hypotension, JVD.
Someone has gotten into a car accident. What is the first thing you should check for?
Spine/neck injuries
What are the early signs of sepsis?
Fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension.
Who do you see first? A trauma patient with snoring respirations or a patient with a scalp cut?
Snoring respirations — airway at risk.
A patient is breathing rapidly after exercise but says they feel fine. What should you do?
Reassure and monitor — likely normal exertional breathing, not an emergency.
A patient complains of palpitations and mild dizziness but has normal vitals. What should you do first?
Obtain an ECG to check for arrhythmia; patient is stable for now.
Scenario:
A 22-year-old college student was found unconscious after falling from a second-story balcony. On arrival, she opens her eyes only to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds, and withdraws from pain. Her pupils are unequal, and her breathing is irregular.
Question:
What is your immediate priority action for this patient?
Open and maintain the airway while stabilizing the cervical spine.
What’s the first fluid of choice for hypovolemic shock?
Normal saline.
Who do you see first? A patient vomiting blood or a patient with a mild headache?
Vomiting blood — possible GI bleed.