A 65-year-old man comes to the emergency department with severe chest pain and shortness of breath. He's diaphoretic, pale, and weak. Suddenly, the patient collapses. What should the nurse do first?
A) Check for a carotid pulse.
B) Open the airway and check for spontaneous respirations.
C) Give two full breaths.
D) Gently shake him and shout, "Are you OK?"
Ans: D
Feedback: Assessing level of consciousness is the first step in basic life support. Unconsciousness is confirmed by shaking the patient's shoulders and shouting, "Are you OK?" Opening the airway and checking for respirations should occur next. If breathing is absent, 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths should be given. Then circulation is checked by palpating the carotid artery.
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