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Multiple Choice
During your primary assessment of a 19-year-old unconscious male, which organ system should be assessed first to ensure immediate survival?
A
Digestive system
B
Reproductive system
C
Respiratory system
D
Integumentary system
Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by understanding the primary goal of a primary assessment: to identify and address any life-threatening conditions that could compromise immediate survival.
Recall that the respiratory system is responsible for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal, which are critical for cellular function and survival. Without oxygen, brain and organ function cease within minutes.
Consider the ABCs of emergency care: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. The respiratory system is directly involved in the first two components (Airway and Breathing), making it the top priority in an unconscious patient.
Evaluate why the other systems listed (digestive, reproductive, integumentary) are not immediately critical for survival. For example, while the integumentary system protects against infection, it does not directly impact oxygen delivery to tissues in the short term.
Conclude that the respiratory system must be assessed first to ensure the airway is open and the patient is breathing adequately, as this is essential for immediate survival.