Rapid Patient Assessment and Immediate Life Threats Free Online FlashCards

What is the purpose of a rapid primary assessment?

It identifies immediate threats, starts care within your training and local protocols, and helps arrange emergency medical help; it is not a complete diagnosis.

What should you check before approaching a patient?

Check for hazards such as traffic, fire, violence, electricity, hazardous materials, and unstable structures. Use appropriate protective equipment.

What should you do if the scene is unsafe?

Do not enter an unsafe scene. Request trained help and wait until it is safe to approach.

What is the sequence of a rapid primary assessment?

Scene safety → immediate threats and severe bleeding → responsiveness → airway → breathing → circulation → action and reassessment.

How should you classify gasping?

Gasping is abnormal breathing, not normal breathing.

What should you do for an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally?

Call emergency services, get an AED, and begin CPR according to your training.

Should a lay rescuer delay CPR to check for a pulse?

Do not delay CPR to search for a pulse. Trained healthcare professionals should limit a pulse check to no more than 10 seconds.

What findings can signal a threatened airway?

Inability to speak or breathe effectively, visible obstruction, or noisy breathing such as snoring, gurgling, or stridor can signal an urgent airway problem.

Which breathing findings require urgent attention?

Severe difficulty, very shallow or irregular breaths, absent breathing, blue or gray coloring, and exhaustion are urgent findings.

What signs can indicate poor perfusion?

Severe bleeding, pale or clammy skin, weakness, and collapse can indicate poor perfusion.

How should you respond to severe uncontrolled bleeding?

Use direct pressure and other bleeding-control measures you are trained and equipped to provide, and summon emergency help.

Which mental-status changes may signal a serious problem?

Confusion, unusual drowsiness, agitation, or a sudden change from normal may indicate a serious problem.