You have been called for an unresponsive patient. On scene, hysterical family members direct you to an unresponsive 32-year-old woman who is lying on the bedroom floor. Her husband says that she left a note saying that she wanted to kill herself and took an unspecified poison. Assessment reveals a green-colored liquid in her mouth and respirations that are rapid, shallow, and gurgling. Her pulse is weak and her skin is cool and dry with cyanosis to her fingertips. Your immediate action would be to:

Question

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The patient is exhibiting signs of airway obstruction with gurgling respirations and green-colored liquid in her mouth, indicating the need for immediate airway management. The first step would be to open the airway and suction the liquid to prevent further aspiration. Positive pressure ventilation may be necessary after clearing the airway, but it should not be the first response. Extrication and transport can be done once the airway is secured. While the note may provide important information, it should not delay immediate life-saving interventions.

You Have Been Called for an Unresponsive Patient