A healthy 18-year-old was admitted to the PACU spontaneously breathing through his endotracheal tube.Shortly after the perianesthesia nurse extubated the patient,he stopped breathing and his color changed to pale,dusky-beige.What is the most ideal action that should occur immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient had an airway obstruction.The first priority in the care of the postanesthesia patient is to establish a patent airway.A common cause of airway obstruction is the tongue,which is relaxed because of anesthetic agents and muscle relaxants used during surgery.The nursing action taken may be simple,such as stimulating the patient to take deep breaths,positioning the patient on the side,or providing supplemental oxygen.If the patient is still unresponsive,the nurse may need to open the airway with a chin tilt or jaw thrust.

A Healthy 18-Year-Old Was Admitted to the PACU Spontaneously Breathing