Question

Your patient is a​ 24-year-old female who swallowed a handful of pills of unknown type. Although she was initially alert and oriented with no​ complaints, you note that she is now beginning to slur her words and is becoming progressively lethargic. What is the highest priority in dealing with this​ patient?

A. Maintaining an open airway
B. Checking the​ patient's pupil size and reactivity to light
C. Notifying the receiving facility of the change in mental status
D. Finding out exactly what she took

Answer 1

The highest priority for the 24-year-old female patient who ingested an unknown quantity of pills is maintaining an open airway. This ensures adequate breathing and is a crucial immediate step in the management of a potential overdose.

Step-by-step explanation:

Highest Priority for a Patient Who Swallowed Pills

The highest priority in dealing with a 24-year-old female patient who swallowed a handful of unknown pills and is now showing signs of lethargy and slurred speech is maintaining an open airway. This is crucial because it ensures that the patient is able to breathe adequately. Symptoms such as lethargy and slurred speech can be indicative of an overdose, which can lead to shallow breathing or airway obstruction. In an overdose situation, securing the airway takes precedence over checking pupil reactivity or determining what the patient has ingested. While notifying the receiving facility and identifying the substance swallowed are important, they do not supersede the immediate need to maintain a patent airway.

Based on the severity of the symptoms, which seem to be escalating, the clinician should prepare for potential advanced airway management and closely monitor the patient's respiratory status. Having an open and effective airway will allow for appropriate oxygenation and ventilation, which are critical for the patient's survival and overall outcome.