Nokea
Which of the following is the most important assessment during the acute stage of an unconscious patient like Mr. Franco?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - Patency of airway and adequacy of respiration. This is the most important assessment during the acute stage of an unconscious patient like Mr. Franco because maintaining a clear airway and ensuring proper breathing are crucial for sustaining life. Without a patent airway and adequate respiration, the patient's oxygen supply could be compromised, leading to serious complications such as hypoxia or respiratory failure. Monitoring the airway and respiratory status takes precedence over other assessments in this scenario.
A: Level of awareness and response to pain - While important, assessing level of awareness and response to pain is secondary to ensuring a patent airway and adequate respiration in an unconscious patient.
B: Papillary reflexes and response to sensory stimuli - While these assessments provide valuable information about neurological function, they are not as critical as maintaining a clear airway and proper breathing in an unconscious patient.
C: Coherence and sense of hearing - Coherence and sense of hearing are not as vital as