For unresponsive patients, what is the proper order in the primary assessment?

• A. Airway, breathing, circulation
• B. Circulation, airway, breathing
• C. Breathing, circulation, airway
• D. Circulation, breathing, airway

Answer: (B)

In an unresponsive patient, the most critical factor is ensuring blood flow to vital organs, so the primary assessment starts with circulation. If there’s no pulse, begin chest compressions immediately to sustain perfusion, then move on to airway and breathing. Once circulation is underway (or if a pulse is present), you address the airway to keep it open and clear, and then you attend to breathing to provide ventilation and oxygenation. This Circulation, Airway, Breathing order reflects prioritizing perfusion first (the “CAB” approach) in life-threatening situations. If a pulse is present but the patient isn’t breathing, you’d focus on airway and breathing while monitoring circulation, but the stated sequence remains Circulation, Airway, Breathing for the primary assessment.