Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

What are the initial steps to take when providing care to an adult patient with a life-threatening condition?

1. Perform a secondary assessment first

2. Activate EMS and perform a primary assessment

3. Provide high-flow oxygen immediately

4. Ensure that the patient takes deep breaths

The correct answer is: Activate EMS and perform a primary assessment

When responding to an adult patient with a life-threatening condition, activating EMS and performing a primary assessment are crucial initial steps. This approach ensures that professional help is on the way while simultaneously allowing the responder to evaluate the patient's immediate medical needs. The primary assessment focuses on identifying and managing life-threatening conditions, such as checking the airway, breathing, and circulation. This systematic evaluation is vital for determining the level of care needed and initiating appropriate interventions—such as administering CPR if there's no pulse or addressing any severe bleeding. By prioritizing these actions, the responder can stabilize the patient and make informed decisions about further treatment while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. This choice emphasizes the importance of organized first response protocols in emergency situations, ensuring that life-saving measures are implemented efficiently and effectively. The other options do not place sufficient priority on assessing the patient’s immediate needs and activating professional emergency support, which are essential for improving the patient’s outcome in life-threatening situations.