What should you do immediately after ensuring a 68-year-old male has a patent airway and adequate breathing?

After confirming that the patient has a patent airway and is adequately breathing, the next immediate step is to check the radial pulse. This is essential for determining the patient's circulatory status. Checking the pulse allows you to assess heart rate, rhythm, and the overall effectiveness of the cardiovascular system, which are critical components in evaluating a patient's condition after ensuring that their airway and breathing are stable.

In emergency situations, establishing the adequacy of circulation is often prioritized to ensure that oxygenated blood is being delivered to vital organs. This assessment can reveal if there are signs of shock, an irregular heartbeat, or other cardiovascular issues that need to be addressed promptly.

While assessing skin condition and contacting medical control are also important tasks in the overall patient assessment and management process, they follow the initial determination of circulation. Administering nitroglycerin is a specific intervention that would only be indicated if the patient's presentation warrants it, particularly in cases of chest pain or suspected cardiac issues, and should not occur until a thorough assessment indicates that it is appropriate.