ABCs And Emergency Priorities - NCLEX Rn

1. A 73-year-old with heart failure is admitted to a medical-surgical unit for pneumonia. The nurse finds the client sitting upright, confused, and cyanotic. Assessment: gurgling respirations with copious secretions; respiratory rate 10/min, oxygen saturation 82% on 4 L/min nasal cannula, heart rate 54/min, blood pressure 102/60 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Suction the airway to clear secretions This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with pneumonia and airway obstruction from secretions. The relevant framework is the ABCs, prioritizing airway clearance to restore effective breathing. Suctioning the airway is the highest priority due to gurgling respirations and low respiratory rate (10/min), indicating imminent airway compromise. Increasing oxygen (A), obtaining sputum culture (C), and delegating oral care (D) are lower priority as they do not immediately clear the airway, with cultures inappropriate before urgent suctioning. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by focusing on clearing obstructions to ensure ventilation before escalating oxygen or diagnostics. In emergencies, nurses should assess for airway patency and intervene swiftly to prevent respiratory arrest. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations involves rapid ABC assessment, immediate clearance of airways, and monitoring for response to interventions.
2. A 60-year-old with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 3 L/min via nasal cannula. The client becomes increasingly somnolent. Assessment: respiratory rate 8/min, oxygen saturation 99% on 3 L/min, heart rate 88/min, blood pressure 118/70 mm Hg; arterial blood gas: pH 7.28, PaCO2 68 mm Hg (35–45), PaO2 92 mm Hg (80–100). Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Notify the provider and prepare to support ventilation with bilevel positive airway pressure per protocol The client shows classic CO2 narcosis: somnolence, respiratory rate 8/min, pH 7.28, and PaCO2 68 mm Hg from hypoventilation. The ABCs place breathing first, so the nurse should notify the provider and prepare bilevel positive airway pressure — non-invasive ventilation that directly improves ventilation and lowers CO2. Increasing the oxygen flow to 6 L/min is harmful: saturation is already 99%, and high-flow oxygen can blunt the hypoxic drive and worsen CO2 retention. Obtaining a repeat arterial blood gas in 30 minutes delays treatment — the current ABG already demonstrates acute respiratory acidosis, so waiting does not fix the underlying problem. Delegating the setup of continuous end-tidal CO2 monitoring to the UAP is a misordered priority: capnography is a secondary surveillance tool, not the life-sustaining intervention this patient needs now, and the nurse must stay engaged in direct assessment of a deteriorating client. Apply the ABCs and act on the ventilation emergency first.
3. A 55-year-old with a history of hypertension arrives to urgent care with swelling of the lips and tongue 30 minutes after taking the first dose of lisinopril. Assessment: hoarse voice, drooling, stridor; respiratory rate 28/min, oxygen saturation 90% on room air, heart rate 112/min, blood pressure 138/84 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Place the client in high-Fowler position and apply high-flow oxygen This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with angioedema and potential airway compromise. The relevant framework is the ABCs, focusing on airway patency and oxygenation in anaphylactic reactions. Placing the client in high-Fowler position with high-flow oxygen is the highest priority to reduce swelling and improve breathing amid stridor and low oxygen saturation (90%). Obtaining allergy history (B), calling for antihistamines (C), and delegating vital signs (D) are lower priority or incorrect as they delay immediate airway support, with delegation not addressing the urgent need. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing positioning and oxygen to maintain airway before pharmacological or historical interventions. In emergencies, nurses should rapidly assess for airway threats and act to stabilize before gathering details. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations emphasizes immediate airway management, oxygenation, and preparation for advanced interventions like intubation.
4. In the emergency department, a 52-year-old client with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease presents with weakness and palpitations. Assessment: heart rate 48/min with irregular rhythm, blood pressure 110/64 mm Hg, respiratory rate 18/min, oxygen saturation 97% on room air; electrocardiogram shows peaked T waves, and labs reveal potassium 6.8 mEq/L (normal 3.5–5.0) and creatinine 3.1 mg/dL (normal 0.6–1.3). Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring and prepare to administer intravenous calcium gluconate per protocol This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs framework in a client with severe hyperkalemia causing cardiac dysrhythmias. The relevant clinical guideline prioritizes immediate cardiac monitoring and calcium administration in hyperkalemia with ECG changes. Placing on cardiac monitoring and preparing calcium gluconate (Option A) is the highest priority because the client has dangerously high potassium (6.8 mEq/L) with bradycardia and peaked T waves, indicating imminent risk of cardiac arrest. Teaching dietary restrictions (Option B) is inappropriate during acute crisis, waiting to recheck labs (Option C) delays urgent treatment, and obtaining urine specimens (Option D) is not immediately relevant. The decision-making principle emphasizes that hyperkalemia with cardiac manifestations requires immediate membrane stabilization with calcium to prevent ventricular fibrillation or asystole. In emergency situations involving severe hyperkalemia, nurses must rapidly initiate continuous cardiac monitoring and administer IV calcium gluconate, as cardiac arrest can occur suddenly with potassium levels above 6.5 mEq/L.
5. A 71-year-old on a postoperative unit is found unresponsive in bed. Assessment: no pulse, no normal breathing. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Begin high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and activate the code response This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with cardiac arrest. The relevant framework is the ABCs integrated with BLS/ACLS, emphasizing immediate CPR. Beginning high-quality CPR and activating code response is the highest priority for unresponsiveness with no pulse or breathing. Obtaining vital signs/glucose (B), notifying provider (C), and delegating crash cart (D) are lower priority as CPR must start immediately before team arrival. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing compressions to restore circulation. In emergencies, nurses should initiate BLS without delay. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations stresses rapid arrest recognition and continuous CPR.
6. In the emergency department, a 68-year-old client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension suddenly becomes anxious and dyspneic after receiving opioid pain medication. Assessment: respiratory rate 6/min and shallow, oxygen saturation 82% on 2 L/min nasal cannula, heart rate 54/min, blood pressure 98/56 mm Hg; the client is difficult to arouse with gurgling respirations. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Open the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift (or jaw-thrust if indicated) and begin bag-valve-mask ventilation with 100% oxygen In this opioid-induced respiratory depression, the immediate threat is inadequate ventilation and airway compromise. The client has a respiratory rate of 6, shallow breaths, hypoxemia, and gurgling respirations, meaning airway obstruction and ineffective breathing are life-threatening. The priority is to open the airway and begin bag-valve-mask ventilation with 100% oxygen, which provides positive-pressure breaths despite the client's weak effort. Naloxone is an important reversal agent, but preparing it and obtaining a provider order delays ventilatory support; reversing the opioid is not the first step. Increasing nasal cannula oxygen does not correct the inadequate respiratory drive or clear the airway, and reassessing for 5 minutes is unsafe. Asking unlicensed assistive personnel to obtain vital signs and capillary glucose postpones the ABC priority and focuses on non-urgent data. Airway and breathing must come before medication administration or further assessment.
7. On a surgical unit, a 64-year-old client is 2 days post-op after bowel resection with a history of hypertension. The client suddenly reports shortness of breath and chest tightness. Assessment: oxygen saturation 89% on room air, respiratory rate 28/min, heart rate 124/min, blood pressure 92/58 mm Hg; the client is anxious with new unilateral leg swelling and warmth. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Assist the client to high-Fowler position and apply supplemental oxygen, then stay with the client and call for rapid response This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs framework in a client with suspected pulmonary embolism. The relevant clinical guideline prioritizes immediate oxygenation and positioning in clients with acute respiratory compromise and hemodynamic changes. Assisting to high-Fowler position, applying oxygen, and calling rapid response (Option A) is the highest priority because the client has hypoxemia (SpO2 89%), tachypnea, hypotension, and signs suggesting PE (unilateral leg swelling, chest tightness). Massaging the leg (Option B) is contraindicated as it could dislodge a clot, obtaining orthostatics (Option C) is unsafe with hypotension, and delaying oxygen for imaging orders (Option D) risks further deterioration. The decision-making principle emphasizes immediate respiratory support and expert help when PE is suspected, as it can rapidly progress to cardiovascular collapse. In emergency situations involving suspected pulmonary embolism, nurses must rapidly optimize oxygenation through positioning and supplemental oxygen while activating emergency response systems for anticoagulation and potential thrombolysis.
8. A 51-year-old with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted for acute pancreatitis. The nurse finds the client increasingly somnolent with shallow breathing. Assessment: respiratory rate 6/min, oxygen saturation 86% on room air, heart rate 96/min, blood pressure 110/68 mm Hg; pupils pinpoint; medication record shows recent intravenous opioid administration. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Stimulate the client, open the airway, and begin bag-valve-mask ventilation with oxygen. The client's respiratory rate of 6/min and oxygen saturation of 86% on room air are immediate threats. In opioid-induced respiratory depression, the nurse must open the airway, stimulate the client, and start bag-valve-mask ventilation with oxygen so gas exchange continues before any medication is obtained. Calling the provider for a naloxone order and preparing the intravenous medication is an important next step, but it is not first because the client needs manual ventilation while the order and medication are being prepared. Using a pain scale and sedation score to establish a baseline before calling the provider is the wrong immediate focus: the client is already hypoventilating and hypoxemic, and additional assessment data do not reverse either. Delegating a capillary blood glucose check may be considered with a history of alcohol use disorder, but the pinpoint pupils and recent intravenous opioid administration point to respiratory depression rather than hypoglycemia, and glucose testing does not improve breathing. Airway support and ventilation come first; the antidote and further evaluation follow once breathing is supported.
9. A 66-year-old with a history of deep vein thrombosis is hospitalized after hip surgery. The client suddenly reports shortness of breath and "impending doom." Assessment: respiratory rate 30/min, oxygen saturation 85% on room air, heart rate 126/min, blood pressure 92/58 mm Hg; lungs clear to auscultation; labs: D-dimer 2.1 mg/L FEU (normal <0.5). Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
   Answer: Apply oxygen and elevate the head of the bed This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with suspected pulmonary embolism. The relevant framework is the ABCs, emphasizing oxygenation and positioning for breathing support. Applying oxygen and elevating the head of the bed is the highest priority to address hypoxemia (85%) and hypotension (92/58 mm Hg) amid acute distress. Preparing heparin (B), obtaining ECG (C), and delegating troponin (D) are lower priority as anticoagulation and diagnostics follow stabilization. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing oxygen to improve perfusion before targeted therapies. In emergencies, nurses should quickly oxygenate and position to alleviate symptoms. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations involves ABC-focused interventions and rapid diagnostic preparation.
10. A 59-year-old with cirrhosis and esophageal varices suddenly vomits a large amount of bright red blood on the medical unit. Assessment: pale and diaphoretic; heart rate 132/min, blood pressure 84/48 mm Hg, respiratory rate 26/min, oxygen saturation 92% on room air; hemoglobin 7.2 g/dL (12–16). Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
    Answer: Ensure airway protection by positioning and preparing for suction and possible intubation This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with massive upper GI bleeding. The relevant framework is the ABCs, emphasizing airway protection amid vomiting. Ensuring airway protection by positioning and preparing for suction/intubation is the highest priority due to risk of aspiration with hypotension (84/48 mm Hg). Administering PPI (B), obtaining consent (C), and delegating IV (D) are lower priority as medications and procedures follow airway security. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing prevention of aspiration to maintain breathing. In emergencies, nurses should position to protect airways during bleeding. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations focuses on ABC stabilization and hemorrhage control.
11. A 24-year-old is brought to the emergency department after being pulled from a house fire. Assessment: soot around the nares, singed nasal hairs, hoarse voice; respiratory rate 26/min, oxygen saturation 95% on room air, heart rate 110/min, blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg; arterial blood gas: carboxyhemoglobin 18% (normal <2%). Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
    Answer: Apply 100% oxygen via nonrebreather mask This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with carbon monoxide poisoning. The relevant framework is the ABCs, prioritizing high-concentration oxygen to displace CO. Applying 100% oxygen via nonrebreather is the highest priority for elevated carboxyhemoglobin (18%) and signs of inhalation injury. Obtaining x-ray (B), assessing pain (C), and delegating urine (D) are lower priority as imaging and pain management follow oxygenation. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by focusing on oxygen therapy to improve tissue perfusion. In emergencies, nurses should administer high-flow oxygen immediately. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations involves quick toxin recognition and supportive interventions.
12. A 58-year-old with diabetes is 1 day postoperative after abdominal surgery. The client becomes confused and restless. Assessment: temperature 39.2°C (102.6°F), heart rate 132/min, blood pressure 82/50 mm Hg, respiratory rate 28/min, oxygen saturation 93% on room air; lactate 4.8 mmol/L (0.5–2.2), white blood cell count 18,000/mm³ (4,500–11,000). What is the PRIORITY nursing action for this client?
    Answer: Initiate sepsis protocol by starting isotonic intravenous fluids and applying oxygen This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with septic shock. The relevant framework is the ABCs combined with sepsis protocols, prioritizing fluid resuscitation. Initiating sepsis protocol with IV fluids and oxygen is the highest priority for hypotension (82/50 mm Hg) and high lactate (4.8 mmol/L). Assessing wound (B), delegating cultures (C), and administering acetaminophen (D) are lower priority as cultures and fever management follow resuscitation. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by focusing on volume expansion to restore circulation. In emergencies, nurses should activate protocols swiftly. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations emphasizes rapid shock recognition and bundled interventions.
13. A 29-year-old is in the emergency department after a motor vehicle crash. Assessment: restless, trachea deviated to the left, absent breath sounds on the right; respiratory rate 36/min, oxygen saturation 80% on nonrebreather mask, heart rate 140/min, blood pressure 86/50 mm Hg. The nurse suspects tension pneumothorax. Which action should the nurse take IMMEDIATELY?
    Answer: Prepare for emergent needle decompression and notify the provider/rapid response team This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with suspected tension pneumothorax. The relevant framework is the ABCs, emphasizing immediate relief of pressure to restore breathing and circulation. Preparing for needle decompression is the highest priority due to deviated trachea, absent breath sounds, and hypotension (86/50 mm Hg), indicating life-threatening tension. Obtaining x-ray (B), auscultating heart (C), and delegating pulse oximetry (D) are lower priority or incorrect as x-ray delays intervention in clinical diagnosis, and delegation is inappropriate in urgency. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing decompression to support ventilation and hemodynamics. In emergencies, nurses should recognize tension signs and prepare for immediate intervention. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations stresses rapid assessment of breathing alterations and prompt life-saving procedures.
14. A 46-year-old with a history of generalized anxiety disorder is admitted for cellulitis and receives intravenous antibiotics. The client suddenly develops wheezing and hives. Assessment: respiratory rate 30/min, oxygen saturation 86% on room air, heart rate 128/min, blood pressure 78/40 mm Hg; lips swollen. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
    Answer: Stop the antibiotic infusion and maintain the airway with high-flow oxygen This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with anaphylaxis. The relevant framework is the ABCs, prioritizing cessation of antigen and airway support. Stopping the antibiotic infusion and maintaining airway with high-flow oxygen is the highest priority for wheezing, hives, and hypotension (78/40 mm Hg). Obtaining rash description (B), delegating discharge (C), and administering diphenhydramine (D) are lower priority or incorrect as details and medications follow stopping the trigger, with discharge inappropriate. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by removing the cause and supporting breathing/circulation. In emergencies, nurses should halt allergens immediately. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations involves quick reaction identification and ABC interventions.
15. A 70-year-old with a history of stroke is eating dinner on a rehabilitation unit when the nurse hears coughing and sees the client clutch the throat. Assessment: unable to speak, high-pitched inspiratory noise, cyanosis; oxygen saturation 76% on room air. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
    Answer: Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with airway obstruction from choking. The relevant framework is the ABCs, prioritizing airway clearance. Performing abdominal thrusts is the highest priority for universal choking sign and cyanosis with low oxygen (76%). Offering water (B), assessing lungs (C), and delegating calls (D) are incorrect or lower priority as water can worsen obstruction, and assessments delay intervention. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by focusing on mechanical clearance to restore airway patency. In emergencies, nurses should recognize choking and act immediately. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations involves quick airway assessment and basic life support maneuvers.
16. A 63-year-old with a history of myocardial infarction reports sudden chest pressure and shortness of breath in the emergency department. Assessment: heart rate 44/min, blood pressure 78/52 mm Hg, respiratory rate 24/min, oxygen saturation 91% on room air; skin cool and clammy; electrocardiogram shows sinus bradycardia. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
    Answer: Initiate intravenous access and prepare to administer atropine per protocol This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with symptomatic bradycardia. The relevant framework is the ABCs, emphasizing circulation support in hypotension. Initiating IV access and preparing atropine is the highest priority for bradycardia (44/min) and low blood pressure (78/52 mm Hg) per ACLS protocols. Administering nitroglycerin (B), assessing pain (C), and delegating BP (D) are inappropriate or lower priority as nitro worsens hypotension, and pain is secondary. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing pharmacological intervention for unstable rhythms. In emergencies, nurses should prepare for pacing or medications. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations stresses rapid rhythm assessment and protocol-driven actions.
17. A 40-year-old with type 1 diabetes arrives to the emergency department with vomiting and abdominal pain. Assessment: deep, rapid respirations with fruity breath odor; respiratory rate 30/min, oxygen saturation 97% on room air, heart rate 118/min, blood pressure 88/54 mm Hg; labs: glucose 560 mg/dL (70–110), potassium 5.6 mEq/L (3.5–5.0), bicarbonate 10 mEq/L (22–28). What is the PRIORITY nursing action for this client?
    Answer: Start a large-bore intravenous line and begin isotonic fluid resuscitation This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis and hypovolemic shock. The relevant framework is the ABCs, emphasizing circulation stabilization in hypotension. Starting a large-bore IV with isotonic fluids is the highest priority to address hypotension (88/54 mm Hg) and dehydration, preventing organ failure. Administering insulin (B), obtaining history (C), and delegating glucose check (D) are lower priority as insulin can worsen hypokalemia without fluids, and history/delegation delay urgent resuscitation. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing fluid restoration to support circulation before metabolic corrections. In emergencies, nurses should quickly identify shock and initiate volume replacement. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations focuses on ABC stabilization, rapid fluid administration, and ongoing monitoring of vital signs.
18. A 72-year-old with chronic heart failure is admitted for fluid overload. The nurse finds the client acutely dyspneic and coughing pink, frothy sputum. Assessment: respiratory rate 34/min, oxygen saturation 79% on room air, heart rate 124/min, blood pressure 190/104 mm Hg; crackles throughout both lungs. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
    Answer: Place the client upright and apply high-flow oxygen This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) framework in a client with acute pulmonary edema. The relevant framework is the ABCs, emphasizing positioning and oxygenation for breathing support. Placing upright with high-flow oxygen is the highest priority to reduce preload and improve oxygenation amid low saturation (79%) and crackles. Administering furosemide (B), obtaining weights (C), and delegating stockings (D) are lower priority as diuresis and monitoring follow initial stabilization. The decision-making principle highlights ABCs by prioritizing non-invasive measures to alleviate respiratory distress. In emergencies, nurses should position and oxygenate promptly. A general strategy for prioritizing care in emergency situations focuses on ABC interventions and symptom relief.
19. On a medical-surgical unit, a 45-year-old client with type 1 diabetes is found sitting upright, restless, and using accessory muscles to breathe. Assessment: respiratory rate 34/min, oxygen saturation 86% on room air, heart rate 128/min, blood pressure 146/88 mm Hg; arterial blood gas: pH 7.18 (normal 7.35–7.45), PaCO2 22 mm Hg (normal 35–45), HCO3 8 mEq/L (normal 22–26). What is the PRIORITY nursing action for this client?
    Answer: Apply oxygen via nonrebreather mask at 10–15 L/min and position the client upright This question assesses emergency priorities using the ABCs framework in a client experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis with Kussmaul respirations. The relevant clinical guideline prioritizes oxygenation and breathing support in clients with severe metabolic acidosis and hypoxemia. Applying oxygen via nonrebreather mask (Option B) is the highest priority because the client has significant hypoxemia (SpO2 86%) and is using accessory muscles to breathe, indicating respiratory distress despite compensatory hyperventilation. While insulin infusion (Option A) is essential for treating DKA, oxygenation must be addressed first to prevent tissue hypoxia and potential respiratory failure. Obtaining urine specimens (Option C) and encouraging oral fluids (Option D) are important but secondary to immediate respiratory support. The decision-making principle highlights that even when treating metabolic emergencies, maintaining adequate oxygenation takes precedence over correcting the underlying metabolic disorder. In emergency situations involving both metabolic and respiratory compromise, nurses must rapidly address hypoxemia first, as inadequate oxygen delivery can worsen acidosis and lead to cardiovascular collapse.
20. In the post-anesthesia care unit, a 71-year-old client with a history of obstructive sleep apnea is 30 minutes post-op after abdominal surgery. Assessment: snoring with intermittent apnea, respiratory rate 8/min, oxygen saturation 79% on 4 L/min nasal cannula, heart rate 102/min, blood pressure 154/92 mm Hg; the client is somnolent and difficult to arouse. Which intervention should the nurse perform FIRST?
    Answer: Reposition the client, perform a jaw-thrust, and apply a bag-valve-mask with 100% oxygen as needed. ABCs and emergency priorities. ABCs and emergency priorities. This client shows acute respiratory failure: very low oxygen saturation, a short respiratory rate of 8, apneic episodes, and profound somnolence. The first priority is to open the airway and provide ventilation. Repositioning the client, performing a jaw-thrust, and applying a bag-valve-mask with 100% oxygen is the correct first intervention because it directly addresses the airway obstruction and improves breathing. Administering an opioid for pain would increase respiratory depression and should not be done before the airway is stabilized. Calling for a provider order for continuous positive airway pressure, while continuing current oxygen, delays immediate life-saving airway and ventilation support. Delegating to the nursing assistant for temperature and warm blankets addresses a non-urgent thermoregulation issue and does nothing for the severe hypoxemia. Therefore, the priority is the airway/breathing intervention.

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