A respiratory therapist notices that a semiconscious patient is not moving enough air and has a problem coughing up mucus. An attempt to insert an oropharyngeal airway is unsuccessful be-cause the patient is struggling
Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
a. Perform a tracheostomy.
b. Insert a Berman airway.
c. Use a nasopharyngeal airway.
d. Sedate the patient, and insert the oropha-ryngeal airway.
ANS: C
If the patient struggles to expel an oropharyngeal airway, attempts at insertion should be aban-doned and an improved head position or a nasopharyngeal airway should be used to open the upper airway. The nasopharyngeal airway will also facilitate nasotracheal suction to evacuate ex-cess mucus in the airways. A tracheostomy is not appropriate in this situation because it is too invasive. A Berman airway is another type of oropharyngeal airway that this kind of patient will not be able to tolerate. Sedation of the patient is not appropriate at this time.
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