A family has called you for a 41-year-old male they cannot wake up. They state he has been threatening to kill himself and believe that he may have intentionally overdosed on his pain medications. As you enter the patient's bedroom, you observe him supine on the floor with his eyes closed. As he breathes, you hear snoring respirations. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize which one of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The snoring respirations indicate partial airway obstruction, which is most likely due to the tongue blocking the airway. Immediate intervention, such as positioning the patient's head and suctioning if needed, is necessary to prevent complete airway obstruction and potential respiratory arrest. The other options do not accurately reflect the situation presented.

A Family Has Called You for a 41-Year-Old Male They