During post-intubation care, which assessment is performed first?

• A. Assess circulation
• B. Assess hearing status
• C. Assess skin turgor
• D. Assess nutrition status

Answer: (A)

In post-intubation care, the priorities follow the ABCs: airway, breathing, then circulation. Once the airway is secured, the most immediate assessment is circulation to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and detect any shock or ongoing blood loss. Checking circulation involves evaluating pulse quality, blood pressure, skin color and temperature, capillary refill, and mental status to gauge how well blood is perfusing vital organs. Hearing status, skin turgor, and nutrition status reflect longer-term condition or hydration/nutrition and aren’t the immediate indicators of life support status needed right after securing the airway. Therefore, assessing circulation is performed first to confirm the patient remains hemodynamically stable.