Question

during assessment of a patient with an altered mental status, which treatment or assessment must be your highest priority?

administrating of instant glucose.
maintaining an open, patent airway.
assessing for any traumatic injuries.
contacting medical control authority.

Explanation:

Prioritize life-threatening conditions

Using the Altered Mental Status Management and Airway Management Protocols knowledge points

• Patients with altered mental status are at high risk for airway compromise due to loss of protective reflexes.
• Standard emergency care follows the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) sequence.
• Ensuring a patent airway is always the highest priority before administering medications, performing secondary assessments, or contacting medical control.

Answer:

• Administrating of instant glucose.
• Maintaining an open, patent airway. (Correct answer)
• Assessing for any traumatic injuries.
• Contacting medical control authority.