During drowning management, which action is included?

• A. Remove wet clothing
• B. High-flow oxygen
• C. Spinal motion restriction PRN
• D. CPR, if cardiac arrest; emphasize ventilations

Answer: (D)

In drowning, the priority is to correct the oxygen deficit by delivering effective ventilations. Hypoxia from water aspiration is the immediate threat, so resuscitation focuses on getting air into the lungs and circulating oxygenated blood. If cardiac arrest occurs, start CPR with an emphasis on ventilations to re‑oxygenate while you perform chest compressions. This approach acknowledges that without ventilations, even perfect chest compressions can’t restore oxygen delivery. The other actions—removing wet clothing, providing high‑flow oxygen, or spinal motion restriction—are supportive or situational but do not address the central problem as directly as rescuing with ventilations during CPR.