How do you perform a primary survey on an unconscious patient?

Performing a primary survey on an unconscious patient is essential for identifying immediate life-threatening conditions and ensuring appropriate management. The correct approach involves checking the airway, breathing, and circulation, often summarized by the ABC prioritization method.

In an unconscious patient, ensuring that the airway is clear is paramount because a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and potential brain injury. After the airway is secured, assessing breathing is crucial to determine if the patient is ventilating adequately. Finally, circulation must be evaluated, which includes checking for pulse and any signs of severe bleeding.

This approach allows first responders to act quickly and effectively, ensuring that the most critical functions of life support are addressed first. Other options, while they may provide useful information about the patient's overall status, do not focus directly on the immediate threats that an unconscious patient may face.