Question

you are providing care for a patient whom you discover, during your primary (initial) assessment, is vomiting copious amounts of bright red blood. which of the following should be your highest concern?

protecting the airway.
controlling the bleeding.
providing adequate ventilations.
performing a rapid physical exam.

Explanation:

Identify the clinical priority

Using the Patient Assessment Protocols knowledge point
During the primary assessment, life-threatening conditions must be addressed immediately following the standard airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) sequence.

Evaluate the airway threat

Using the Suctioning and Airway Clearing and Upper GI Bleeding knowledge points
A patient vomiting copious amounts of blood (hematemesis) faces an immediate, severe threat of airway obstruction and aspiration. Ensuring a patent airway by suctioning and positioning is the absolute highest priority before any other interventions can be safely performed.

Answer:

• Protecting the airway. (Correct answer)
• Controlling the bleeding.
• Providing adequate ventilations.
• Performing a rapid physical exam.