What should be the first priority when assessing a patient with suspected airway obstruction?

The first priority when assessing a patient with suspected airway obstruction is to ensure airway patency. When an airway obstruction is suspected, it is crucial to quickly evaluate and verify whether the airway is open and free of any blockages because an obstructed airway can lead to hypoxia and life-threatening complications in a matter of minutes.

Ensuring airway patency involves a range of techniques, such as positioning the patient appropriately, using maneuvers like the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust, and if necessary, attempting to clear any visible obstructions. This immediate action takes precedence since no effective ventilation can occur if the airway is compromised.

While other options may be important in the overall management of a patient, they are secondary to ensuring a clear airway. Administering intravenous fluids, providing high-flow oxygen, or conducting a primary survey would come after you have confirmed that the airway is open, as addressing the airway concern is critical to the patient's survival and response to treatment.