Question

A male patient has sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and abdomen. He is unresponsive and has gurgling respirations. Your immediate action would be to:

Select one:
a. immobilize the spine.
b. suction the airway.
c. insert a nasal airway.
d. obtain vital signs.

Answer 1

The immediate action for an unresponsive male patient with gunshot wounds and gurgling respirations is to suction the airway to remove obstructions and allow for proper breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a male patient presents with gunshot wounds to the neck and abdomen, is unresponsive and has gurgling respirations, the immediate action should be to suction the airway. Gurgling respirations indicate that there is an obstruction in the airway, likely from blood or other fluids, which can create a life-threatening situation if not promptly cleared. Suctioning the airway has the goal of removing these fluids to allow for proper ventilation. While immobilizing the spine, inserting a nasal airway, and obtaining vital signs are all important steps in patient care, they come after ensuring that the airway is clear and the patient is able to breathe. As the question indicates the patient's respirations are compromised, this is the most critical step to be addressed immediately.