A 20-year-old man is found unconscious after ingesting an unknown substance. What is your immediate concern?

In a scenario where a 20-year-old man is found unconscious after ingesting an unknown substance, the immediate concern is managing the patient's airway. Unconsciousness can lead to loss of protective reflexes, making the patient at high risk for airway compromise due to the inability to maintain an open airway or protect against aspiration of gastric contents.

Airway management is critical because blocked or compromised airways can lead to hypoxia and further respiratory distress. Prioritizing the airway allows for appropriate ventilation and oxygenation, which are vital for survival. Once the airway is secure, further assessments can be made, and interventions can be taken, such as fluid administration or attempts to identify the substance ingested.

In contrast, while assessing for a potential head injury is important, airway management takes precedence in cases of unconsciousness. Establishing an IV for fluids is also a significant action, but it should follow the initial assessment and management of the airway. Identifying the substance ingested is critical for treatment planning but is secondary to ensuring that the patient can breathe adequately.