For an unresponsive medical patient, the initial assessment should include:

• A. A rapid physical examination
• B. A detailed history from bystanders
• C. A rapid physical exam to assess for life threats
• D. Start IV fluids immediately

Answer: (C)

When someone is unresponsive, the priority is to identify and treat life threats right away. That’s why the initial assessment is a rapid primary survey focused on airway, breathing, and circulation. You quickly check that the airway is open or opened if obstructed, assess whether the patient is breathing adequately, and determine whether there is circulation or signs of shock or severe bleeding. Based on what you find, you intervene immediately—open the airway and provide ventilation if needed, deliver high-flow oxygen, start CPR if there is no pulse, and control any obvious life-threatening bleeding.

A detailed history from bystanders isn’t feasible or reliable in an unresponsive patient and would delay essential care. Starting IV fluids immediately isn’t the priority before you’ve assessed and addressed airway, breathing, and circulation, and it may be inappropriate depending on the underlying cause. The rapid exam that focuses on life threats ensures you stabilize the patient’s most dangerous issues before any secondary assessment or history gathering.