How often should you reassess a patient's airway during an emergency?

Reassessing a patient's airway during an emergency is critical for ensuring that it remains patent and that the patient is able to breathe effectively. The correct approach is to reassess every couple of minutes or as needed because airway conditions can change rapidly, especially in an emergency situation.

Patients may experience changes due to factors like decreasing consciousness, the onset of additional injuries, or the accumulation of blood or secretions that could obstruct the airway. Thus, continual reassessment allows for timely interventions if the airway becomes compromised.

The other options suggest either too frequent or infrequent assessments, which might not provide the necessary vigilance required in emergent situations. A minute interval could lead to unnecessary intervention or distractions, while a ten-minute assessment might miss critical changes that need immediate attention. Similarly, assessing only once does not allow for the dynamic nature of airway conditions to be monitored effectively. Therefore, reassessing every couple of minutes or as needed strikes an appropriate balance to enhance patient safety and care during emergencies.