Navy Hospital Corpsman Fundamentals Practice Test

When the respiratory rate is less than 30 breaths per minute, it indicates that the patient may be experiencing inadequate ventilation or potentially critical respiratory issues. In this situation, checking perfusion is the imperative next step because it helps assess the effectiveness of circulation and the overall oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Perfusion monitoring involves evaluating factors such as pulse rate, capillary refill time, and skin temperature, which can provide insight into whether the body is adequately supplying oxygen to its vital organs. If perfusion is compromised, it could indicate a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.

In a non-tactical situation, ensuring that blood is effectively circulating is crucial before moving on to other assessments like checking pain response or measuring blood pressure. While administering oxygen might be necessary, it is typically more effective to first establish the patient's circulation status through perfusion assessment to determine the best course of action moving forward.