What should be done when a patient has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 8?

When a patient has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 8, it is an indication of severe brain dysfunction, which can significantly impair the patient's ability to protect their airway. In such cases, the risk of respiratory failure increases because the patient may have reduced consciousness and difficulty maintaining an adequate airway and breathing.

Intubation is necessary to secure the airway and ensure that the patient can be properly ventilated, preventing further complications from inadequate oxygenation. It allows healthcare providers to manage the patient’s airway effectively, especially if there is any risk of aspiration or if the patient cannot adequately breathe on their own.

While administering oxygen is important, it will not be sufficient if the airway is compromised, thus making intubation the priority. Initiating CPR would only be necessary if the patient is in cardiac arrest, and providing IV fluids, while important in many clinical scenarios, does not address the immediate threat posed by a low GCS score to airway integrity. Therefore, intubation is the critical intervention to ensure adequate airway protection and ventilation for the patient.