A unit experiences a sudden patient surge. Which prioritization framework should guide the first actions to ensure patient needs are addressed most urgently?

• A. Maslow's hierarchy
• B. SMART goals
• C. ABC prioritization (airway, breathing, circulation)
• D. PDCA cycle

Answer: (C)

In emergencies, the first actions must stabilize patients who are most at risk of dying. The ABC prioritization guides this immediate response by treating life threats in the order of airway, then breathing, then circulation. Ensuring a clear airway is foundational—without it, oxygen cannot reach the lungs. If breathing is inadequate, oxygen delivery to the blood and tissues falters, leading to rapid deterioration. Once airway and breathing are addressed, focusing on circulation helps control bleeding and maintain perfusion to vital organs. This sequence directly targets the factors most likely to cause rapid mortality, buying time for further assessment and treatment.

Other frameworks aren’t suited to urgent clinical triage in a surge: Maslow’s hierarchy relates to human needs and motivation rather than immediate physiological threats; SMART goals are about setting objectives; PDCA is a process-improvement cycle. ABC prioritization provides the most appropriate, time-critical guide for first actions to address the most urgent patient needs.