In an unresponsive patient, a rapid physical exam should be performed to:

• A. Document the patient’s appearance
• B. Gather family history
• C. Assess for life threats
• D. Avoid risking patient safety

Answer: (C)

Identify and respond to life threats during a rapid assessment. In an unresponsive patient, the priority is to quickly determine if something is compromising the airway, breathing, or circulation. A rapid exam looks for airway obstruction, inadequate breathing, signs of shock, or major bleeding. Finding a life threat means you act immediately—open and secure the airway, provide ventilation or oxygen, control bleeding, or begin CPR as needed. Other tasks like documenting appearance or gathering history aren’t actionable at this moment, and while safety is always considered, the essential purpose of the rapid exam is to spot and address life threats promptly.