During the primary survey airway assessment in the emergency department, which action is appropriate?

• A. Assess edema
• B. Counting respiratory rate
• C. Checking for foreign bodies
• D. Noting use of accessory muscles

Answer: (C)

During the primary survey, the airway check is all about quickly confirming patency and identifying anything causing immediate obstruction. Checking for foreign bodies is essential because a blockage right in the airway is a life-threatening, time-sensitive issue—finding it allows immediate suctioning or removal to restore airflow.

Other actions you might think of—like counting the respiratory rate, noting the use of accessory muscles, or assessing for edema—inform the status of breathing and potential future risk, but they do not address a current obstruction as directly as confirming whether a foreign body is present in the airway. Counting rate and observing work of breathing help gauge severity and need for support, while edema assessment indicates swelling risk, but the priority in the airway check is ensuring there’s no obstructing object.