Airway
What is the first thing you assess when approaching a patient?
Airway
What vital sign tells you how many breaths a patient takes per minute?
Respiratory rate
Which finding shows that blood is not reaching the tissues well?
Delayed capillary refill, low blood pressure, or weak pulses
Which AVPU finding indicates the lowest level of responsiveness?
Unresponsive
Why is the patient fully exposed during the primary survey?
To look for hidden injuries
Which airway assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
Inability to speak, stridor, gurgling, or airway obstruction.
A patient has a respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute. What is the clinical term for this?
Tachypnoea
Why must severe bleeding be controlled right away during the primary survey?
Because uncontrolled bleeding can quickly lead to hypovolaemia and death
Why is a rapid neurological assessment performed during the primary survey?
To quickly identify life-threatening neurological changes
What serious condition can occur if a patient is left uncovered and without blankets during assessments?
Hypothermia
What manoeuvre is used to open the airway in a patient without suspected spinal injury?
Head-tilt or chin-lift
Why is oxygen applied early during the primary survey, even before a definitive diagnosis?
To prevent or treat hypoxia
Why may capillary refill not be accurate in older adults or when the patient is cold?
Blood flow to the fingers is decreased
A sudden decrease in level of consciousness most strongly suggests a problem in which system?
Neurological system
Why does the nurse assess the environment during the primary survey?
To keep the patient and healthcare team safe
What structure is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient?
Tongue
Which lung sounds are short, high-pitched, and described as sounding like hair being rubbed together?
Fine crackles
A patient has a fast heart rate and cool, clammy skin. What is the nurse most concerned about?
Shock
Which pupil finding is most concerning during the disability assessment?
Unequal or nonreactive pupils
How can the nurse maintain patient dignity during exposure?
By covering the patient after assessment or exposing one area at a time
Name one condition that places a patient at high risk for airway compromise during the primary survey.
Facial trauma, burns, anaphylaxis, decreased level of consciousness
Which lung sound indicates airflow through narrowed lower airways, is typically heard on expiration, and is commonly associated with asthma?
Wheezes
A patient has pale, cool fingers and delayed capillary refill, but a normal blood pressure and strong carotid pulse. Why might capillary refill not accurately reflect overall circulation in this case?
Peripheral perfusion can be reduced by factors like cold environment, vasoconstriction, or age, even when central circulation (blood pressure and major pulses) is adequate.
Why is glucose level often considered during the disability assessment?
Hypoglycaemia can cause altered mental status
Why is exposure the final step of the primary survey?
Because airway, breathing, and circulation problems must be treated first