Question

A 21-year-old intoxicated college student turns blue and collapses while eating a hot dog at a bar. You assess that the unresponsive student still has a pulse. What is the next step in managing this case?

a. Begin CPR
b. Open airway
c. Apply AED
d. Put in Recovery position

Answer 1

The next step in managing an unresponsive student who still has a pulse is to open the airway, which could potentially clear any obstruction and allow the student to breathe normally.

Step-by-step explanation:

In managing the case of a 21-year-old intoxicated college student who has turned blue and collapsed while eating a hot dog but still has a pulse, the next step is opening the airway. This is indicated as the student is unresponsive but not in cardiac arrest, implying that the airway might be blocked, possibly by the hot dog. Opening the airway could dislodge the obstruction and restore normal breathing. If there is suspicion of a spinal injury, care should be taken to immobilize the neck while doing this. CPR is not indicated as the student has a pulse, and AED would not be used unless there is a cardiac event, evidenced by no pulse. The recovery position is typically used for an unconscious person who is breathing normally and without obstruction.