A 45-year-old unrestrained man was ejected from his small truck when it struck a tree. The patient is found approximately 20 feet from the wreckage. Your primary assessment reveals that he is unresponsive and has sonorous respirations and a rapid pulse. Your initial actions should include:
A) applying a cervical collar and assisting his ventilations with a bag-mask device.
B) rolling the patient onto his side as a unit and suctioning his mouth for 15 seconds.
C) performing a tongue-jaw lift and looking in his mouth for any obvious obstructions.
D) manually stabilizing his head and opening his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver.
Answer: D) manually stabilizing his head and opening his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver.
Health Professions