What is the priority nursing intervention when a child is unconscious after a fall?

What is the priority nursing intervention when a child is unconscious after a fall?

• A. Perform neurologic assessment
• B. Establish an adequate airway
• C. Monitor intracranial pressure
• D. Determine whether a neck injury is present

Answer: (B)

Securing the airway is the top priority. An unconscious child cannot protect the airway, so the tongue, secretions, or vomiting can quickly obstruct it and cause hypoxia. Ensuring a patent airway and adequate ventilation preserves oxygen delivery to the brain and other vital organs, which is crucial after trauma. While assessing neurologic status, monitoring for intracranial pressure, and determining whether a neck injury is present are important, they should follow airway stabilization. If a neck injury is suspected, perform airway maneuvers with neck stabilization to protect the spine while you establish ventilation and oxygenation.

Securing the airway is the top priority. An unconscious child cannot protect the airway, so the tongue, secretions, or vomiting can quickly obstruct it and cause hypoxia. Ensuring a patent airway and adequate ventilation preserves oxygen delivery to the brain and other vital organs, which is crucial after trauma. While assessing neurologic status, monitoring for intracranial pressure, and determining whether a neck injury is present are important, they should follow airway stabilization. If a neck injury is suspected, perform airway maneuvers with neck stabilization to protect the spine while you establish ventilation and oxygenation.