While conducting a primary assessment with protective gloves on, if a patient shows minimal response to pain stimuli but is moaning and twitching, what should be your next action?

In this scenario where the patient shows minimal response to pain stimuli, along with moaning and twitching, the situation indicates that the patient is likely in a critical state and may require immediate medical assistance. Calling for help is a crucial step because you need additional resources to effectively manage the patient's condition, especially if they are unresponsive and indicating potential neurological issues.

By calling for help, you ensure that emergency medical services (EMS) are notified and can respond promptly to provide advanced care. This action prioritizes the safety and well-being of the patient while you remain at their side to begin basic life support measures if needed.

The other choices, while relevant in different contexts, do not provide the immediate assistance necessary in this critical scenario. Checking for a pulse or starting CPR may be considered if the patient is unresponsive and pulseless, but in this case, it is imperative first to secure help, as the patient's minimal response suggests they may be in a deteriorating state. Continuing assessment could be useful but delays calling for necessary medical resources, which is essential when treating critically impaired patients.