ABC vs CAB

[thisistheday]

What does NCLEX consider the 1st intervention when coming across an unconscious client - assess Airway or Circulation?

We have been trained to think ABCs: Airway first, Breathing then Circulation (ABCs) however CPR has been updated to CAB - circulation first.

[krisiepoo]

What does NCLEX consider the 1st intervention when coming across an unconscious client - assess Airway or Circulation?

We have been trained to think ABCs: Airway first, Breathing then Circulation (ABCs) however CPR has been updated to CAB - circulation first.

Here's my interpretation...

In general practice nursing (NCLEX) we are looking at patient that is seeking medical help. We assess ABC's because they are not (in general) unconscious on the side of a road. We need to know if the meds are causing airway problems, if their asthma is acting up, if they're having pulmonary issues, etc... our first concern is generally the airway

with CPR, you're finding someone who is unresponsive, granted they may be in the hospital for US, because we're nurses. the general CPR guidelines are for laypeople and they are taking out the "breathing" portion of CPR so the airway isn't AS important for them to assess, but they DO need to assess if there is circulation in order to start chest compressions