When performing a primary survey, what is assessed during the "breathing" step?

During the "breathing" step of the primary survey, the focus is on assessing the quality and rhythm of the patient's breathing. This assessment helps determine whether the patient is able to breathe adequately and effectively. The healthcare provider looks for signs such as abnormal sounds (wheezing, stridor, etc.), the presence of respiratory distress, and the overall effort the patient is making to breathe. This evaluation is crucial, as it directly impacts the patient's oxygenation and can indicate underlying respiratory or systemic issues that may require immediate intervention.

In this context, while assessing skin tone is essential for understanding perfusion and oxygenation status, it falls under a different component of the primary survey. The depth of pulse and body temperature, although important vital signs, are not directly related to the assessment of breathing. Thus, focusing on the quality and rhythm of breathing is integral to ensuring that the patient is receiving adequate airflow and that any complications can be addressed promptly.