For a patient who is blue and dusky and not breathing, what is the priority intervention?

For a patient who is blue and dusky and not breathing, what is the priority intervention?

• A. Opening the airway
• B. Administering oxygen via face mask
• C. Initiating chest compressions
• D. Call for help and check pulses

Answer: (A)

Securing an open airway is the immediate priority when a patient is blue, dusky, and not breathing. If air cannot reach the lungs, oxygen cannot be delivered, no matter how much oxygen you provide later. The first action is to open the airway using a head tilt–chin lift (or a jaw thrust if trauma or spinal injury is suspected), then check for obstruction and assess breathing. Once the airway is open, you can start ventilation with rescue breaths or a bag–valve device and then proceed with additional steps (such as chest compressions if there is no pulse or calling for help) as the situation dictates. Oxygen via a face mask is valuable, but it won’t help if the airway is blocked or closed.

Securing an open airway is the immediate priority when a patient is blue, dusky, and not breathing. If air cannot reach the lungs, oxygen cannot be delivered, no matter how much oxygen you provide later. The first action is to open the airway using a head tilt–chin lift (or a jaw thrust if trauma or spinal injury is suspected), then check for obstruction and assess breathing. Once the airway is open, you can start ventilation with rescue breaths or a bag–valve device and then proceed with additional steps (such as chest compressions if there is no pulse or calling for help) as the situation dictates. Oxygen via a face mask is valuable, but it won’t help if the airway is blocked or closed.