The nurse is caring for an unconscious client who was transferred to the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) 10 minutes previously and has an oxygen saturation of 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In an unconscious postoperative client, a likely cause of hypoxemia is airway obstruction by the tongue, and the first action is to clear the airway by manoeuvres such as the jaw thrust or chin lift. Increasing the oxygen flow rate and suctioning are not helpful when the airway is obstructed by the tongue. Elevating the client's head will not be effective in correcting the obstruction but may help with oxygenation after the client is awake.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Unconscious Client Who Was