Free BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Practice Question

For a patient presenting with respiratory distress and a neck hematoma following trauma, securing the airway is the most critical initial step. Edema or expanding hematoma can quickly compromise the airway, therefore, early airway control can prevent deterioration. Other interventions like cervical spine immobilization, obtaining imaging, or monitoring for vascular injury are important but secondary to airway management.