When newly identified life-threatening alterations are identified, what should you do?

• A. Intervene and reassess
• B. Document and wait
• C. Observe for 5 minutes
• D. Reassess after transport

Answer: (A)

When new life-threatening changes are identified, you intervene immediately to stabilize the patient, then reassess to see if the intervention worked and what else is needed. The moment a threat to life is detected, rapid, targeted actions—such as securing the airway, supporting breathing, controlling bleeding, or other essential life-saving measures—are applied right away. After you intervene, you continuously reassess the patient’s vitals, mental status, and response to treatment to determine if further actions are needed and to prevent deterioration.

Delaying care by documenting first, waiting, or simply observing would allow the condition to worsen. Waiting until transport to act also isn’t appropriate when stabilization is possible now.