Question

A 63-year-old man with COPD is admitted with increasing breathlessness and productive cough. Observations show respiratory rate 28 per minute, oxygen saturation 90 percent on 28 percent oxygen, blood pressure 100/60 mmHg, pulse 112 per minute and temperature 38.5 degrees Celsius. His NEWS2 score is elevated. According to the ABCDE approach, what is the most appropriate first step in assessing this deteriorating patient?

Accepted Answer

Assess airway patency and look for signs of obstruction

Answer

Assess circulation by checking capillary refill and blood pressure

Answer

Assess disability by checking Glasgow Coma Scale

Answer

Expose the patient fully to look for rashes

Answer

Calculate urine output over the last 24 hours

Practice question