ABC Prioritization Quiz: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

1. A patient presents with severe hemorrhage from a leg wound. What is the immediate intervention?

Start IV fluids only

Apply direct pressure and tourniquet if needed

Elevate the leg

Administer pain medication

2. In a multi-trauma patient, which sign requires immediate airway intervention?

Stable vital signs

Stridor, gurgling, or inability to speak

Minor lacerations

Alert and oriented status

3. A patient has labored breathing and wheezing. After opening the airway, what is next in ABC Prioritization?

Administer bronchodilators

Provide oxygen and assess ventilation adequacy

Check blood pressure

Obtain a chest X-ray

4. When should you perform a secondary survey in emergency care?

Before addressing ABC priorities

Only after ABC is stabilized

During airway assessment

If the patient is conscious

5. A patient has a weak carotid pulse and pale, cool skin. What does this indicate?

Adequate circulation

Shock or compromised circulation

Normal compensatory response

Hypertension

6. In ABC Prioritization, if a patient has both respiratory distress and active bleeding, which do you address first?

Stop the bleeding immediately

Secure the airway and breathing first

Assess which is more severe

Apply oxygen only

7. A choking patient becomes unresponsive. What is your priority action?

Perform abdominal thrusts

Start CPR with chest compressions

Insert a nasopharyngeal airway

Check for a pulse first

8. During resuscitation, you notice the patient has gasping respirations. Is this adequate breathing?

Yes, gasping is normal

No, provide assisted ventilation

Only if oxygen is applied

Only in cardiac arrest

9. A patient's capillary refill is >3 seconds. What does this indicate regarding circulation?

Adequate perfusion

Inadequate perfusion

Normal blood pressure

Stable heart rhythm

10. You find a patient with an obstructed airway and altered mental status. Which step comes first?

Insert an endotracheal tube

Clear the airway with head-tilt/chin-lift

Check for a carotid pulse

Place on continuous monitoring

11. A patient arrives at the ED unresponsive. Which assessment should you perform first?

Check for a pulse

Assess airway patency

Measure blood pressure

Obtain a detailed history

12. After establishing airway and breathing, how do you assess circulation?

Obtain a complete metabolic panel

Check pulse, skin color, and capillary refill

Measure urine output

Review past medical history

13. A patient has a sucking chest wound. What is your priority action?

Check for internal bleeding

Seal the wound immediately

Apply a tourniquet

Administer IV medications

14. When assessing breathing, which finding indicates inadequate ventilation?

Respiratory rate of 18/min

Oxygen saturation of 98%

Cyanosis and decreased breath sounds

Regular chest rise symmetrically

15. A trauma patient has a flail chest with severe pain. How does this affect ABC prioritization?

Breathing is still second after airway

Circulation becomes the priority

Pain management is first

Spine precautions override ABC

16. You assess a patient and find no carotid pulse. What is your immediate response?

Administer IV fluids

Start chest compressions

Check blood pressure

Obtain an EKG

17. A patient has shallow respirations at 8 breaths/min. Which intervention is most urgent?

Insert a Foley catheter

Provide bag-mask ventilation

Check capillary refill

Administer antibiotics

18. After securing an airway, what is the next priority in ABC Prioritization?

Assess circulation

Evaluate breathing

Check blood glucose

Obtain X-rays

19. A patient has stridor and difficulty breathing. Which priority action addresses the airway concern?

Establish IV access

Position and prepare for airway management