You have been called for an elderly female found by family members on the floor of her bathroom. She is unresponsive and has a bruise to the right side of her face. Her respirations are snoring and shallow. Her skin is cool and dry, and she is incontinent of urine. Her daughter tells you that the patient has a past medical history of stroke, COPD, and seizures. Which of the following would be most appropriate when managing this patient's airway?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the patient's snoring and shallow respirations, it is likely that her airway is obstructed. The jaw-thrust maneuver can be used to open the airway without causing any movement or potential damage to the neck. Suction may be necessary once the airway is open, but it is not the first priority. High-concentration oxygen can also be administered once the airway is open, but it will not address the airway obstruction. Head-tilt, chin-lift can be dangerous to use in patients with potential neck trauma or injury, such as a fall, so it is not the best choice in this case.

You Have Been Called for an Elderly Female Found by Family