Question

You are transporting a victim of domestic violence, a 25-year-old female, who was struck on the head several times with a baseball bat. On the scene, she was responsive to verbal stimuli and was bleeding profusely from an open head wound. During transport the patient becomes unresponsive. Which of the following should you do next?

A. Primary assessment
B. Secondary assessment
C. Detailed physical exam
D. Vital signs and SAMPLE history

Answer 1

When a patient becomes unresponsive during transport, a primary assessment is vital to address any immediate life threats and to manage the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation quickly and effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you are transporting a victim of domestic violence who was initially responsive but becomes unresponsive during transport, the appropriate next step would be to perform a primary assessment. This involves quickly assessing the patient's immediate life threats, airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs), and managing them accordingly. Since the patient's level of consciousness has changed, it is critical to reassess and ensure they are not at risk of airway obstruction or shock due to blood loss and other potential complications. Time is of the essence in such situations, and interventions must be prompt and effective.