The family of a 31-year-old female reports that she has taken an overdose of her father's diabetes medication. Assessment reveals her to be unresponsive, laying on the floor with snoring respirations. Her pulse is rapid and her skin is cool to the touch. She has no history of diabetes but is allergic to penicillin. It is believed that she took the medication within the past hour. Your initial intervention in caring for this patient would be to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is unresponsive with snoring respirations, indicating a compromised airway. The immediate priority is to ensure the airway is open and clear, which is achieved by performing a jaw-thrust maneuver. This technique is especially important in patients who are unresponsive and at risk of airway obstruction.

The Family of a 31-Year-Old Female Reports That She Has