While working to build a house, a construction worker was hit in the head by a 2-inch × 4-inch plank that slid from the roof and fell to the ground below. The patient has a sizable laceration to the left side of his face and is spitting and coughing blood. He also lost several teeth, two of which he is holding. Your initial action when caring for this patient would be to:

Question

A) Assess the ability of the patient to maintain his own airway
B) Apply supplemental oxygen
C) Obtain and preserve the teeth in a cup of saline, or wrapped in saline-soaked gauze
D) Apply an occlusive dressing to the laceration and preserve the teeth

Answer 1

B) Apply supplemental oxygen