A patient with a head injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale of 7 and is not protecting their airway. What is the priority?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Secure the airway with endotracheal intubation
- Step 1: A score of 8 or less means the patient cannot reliably protect their airway. Step 2. Airway comes first in the ABCDE approach, with cervical spine protection, and then imaging follows. Answer: Secure the airway with endotracheal intubation. Why not the others: Scanning first leaves an unprotected airway. A nasopharyngeal airway does not protect against aspiration. Mannitol treats raised pressure only after airway and breathing are secured.
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