Which interventions are potentially included in the general impression?

• A. All of the above
• B. Pulse
• C. Control of external hemorrhage
• D. Initiation of chest compressions

Answer: (A)

The general impression is the rapid, initial assessment to identify life threats and set priorities for immediate actions. In this moment, you may perform interventions that address life-threatening conditions right away rather than doing a full head-to-toe check.

Checking for a pulse quickly tells you whether there is adequate perfusion and helps determine the next steps for airway, breathing, or circulation. If there is active external bleeding, controlling it is a top priority to prevent rapid blood loss and stabilize the patient. And if the patient has no pulse and is not breathing, initiating chest compressions starts resuscitation immediately.

Because each of these actions can be performed during the quick general impression to address imminent threats, all of these interventions could be included in that rapid assessment phase.