When alterations in airway patency and protection are identified during assessment, what should you do?

• A. Intervene and reassess
• B. Observe and document
• C. Delay intervention
• D. Ignore

Answer: (A)

When airway patency and protection are compromised, the priority is to act now to secure and protect the airway and then reassess to confirm that patency and ventilation have improved. In trauma care this aligns with the ABCs, so you would perform appropriate measures such as repositioning or manual maneuvers to open the airway (with cervical spine precautions if injury is suspected), suction to clear secretions or debris, insert an airway adjunct as needed, and escalate to a definitive airway if required. After your intervention, quickly reassess to verify that the airway remains open, oxygenation is improving, and ventilation is adequate. Documentation and ongoing monitoring follow, but cannot precede securing the airway.