Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

During a visual survey of an unresponsive patient, which action is essential?

1. Delivering oxygen immediately

2. Obtaining an initial impression of the patient

3. Administering CPR without assessment

4. Checking the medical history

The correct answer is: Obtaining an initial impression of the patient

Obtaining an initial impression of the patient is a vital action during a visual survey of an unresponsive individual. This step is important because it helps responders quickly assess the scene for safety, determine the patient's stability, and identify any immediate life threats. Observing the patient can reveal critical signs such as their level of consciousness, the presence of any obvious injuries, and the patient's breathing status. This information is essential in guiding subsequent actions, like calling for advanced help or initiating CPR, as it ensures that responders are making informed decisions based on the patient's condition rather than proceeding with actions that may not be appropriate without proper assessment. Delivering oxygen right away may not be the most effective first step in this situation, especially if the underlying causes are not yet understood. Administering CPR without an initial assessment can lead to unnecessary or inappropriate interventions. Similarly, checking the medical history is useful but not immediate in a life-threatening situation where rapid assessment is crucial. Therefore, the focus should be on obtaining the initial impression to effectively respond to the patient's needs.