Your patient is having difficulty breathing and speaking. He also has a weak cough. While you are completing your assessment, you hear him making a gurgling sound in his throat. You should

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Suctioning the mouth is the appropriate response to a gurgling sound in the throat, which indicates the presence of fluids obstructing the airway. Finger sweeps are not recommended unless you can clearly see an object to remove, back blows and abdominal/chest thrusts are for solid choking obstructions, not fluid.

Your Patient Is Having Difficulty Breathing and Speaking