What is the first step in assessing the patient's airway?

The first step in assessing a patient's airway is to evaluate for patency and intervene if compromised. This entails checking whether the airway is clear and unobstructed, as a compromised airway can lead to inadequate ventilation and oxygenation. If the airway is not patent, immediate action, such as repositioning the patient's head or performing suctioning, is necessary to restore proper airflow. Prioritizing airway assessment is crucial because it directly impacts the patient's overall respiratory function and subsequent management.

While administering oxygen can be important, it is a measure taken after ensuring that the airway is open and unobstructed. Similarly, checking the pulse is part of evaluating circulation but is secondary to airway assessment. Proper positioning of the patient can facilitate better airway access, but it still requires first confirming that the airway is clear. Therefore, evaluating for airway patency stands as the most critical initial action in patient airway assessment.