The client is a 26-year-old female who fell from an apartment balcony. She was transported to the hospital via ambulance. The client enters the emergency room on a stretcher and is met in the trauma bay by the nurse. What two actions should the nurse take first during the primary survey?

Choice A rationale Stabilizing the cervical spine is one of the first actions that should be taken during the primary survey of a trauma patient. This is to prevent any potential injury to the spinal cord, which could result in permanent paralysis. Choice B rationale Checking for a pulse is an important part of the primary survey, but it is not one of the first actions that should be taken. The first priority is to ensure that the airway is patent and the cervical spine is stabilized. Choice C rationale Requesting an x-ray is not one of the first actions that should be taken during the primary survey. The first priority is to assess the client’s airway, breathing, and circulation, and to stabilize the cervical spine. Choice D rationale Assessing the respiratory rate is an important part of the primary survey, but it is not one of the first actions that should be taken. The first priority is to ensure that the airway is patent and the cervical spine is stabilized. Choice E rationale Examining the abdomen is an important part of the secondary survey, which is conducted after the primary survey. The first priority during the primary survey is to assess the client’s airway, breathing, and circulation, and to stabilize the cervical spine. Choice F rationale Ensuring that the airway is patent is one of the first actions that should be taken during the primary survey. This is to ensure that the client is able to breathe effectively and receive adequate oxygenation.