When a client is slumped over in respiratory distress with low oxygen saturation and visible food in the throat, what should the nurse do first?

When a client is slumped over in respiratory distress with low oxygen saturation and visible food in the throat, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Perform oral suction
• B. Position the client to high Fowler's
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Assess lung sounds

Answer: (B)

Opening the airway is the first priority when there’s evidence of an airway obstruction, such as visible food in the throat. Elevating the head and trunk to a high Fowler’s position helps maximize lung expansion, aligns the airway, and uses gravity to keep the obstruction from blocking the airway. This position improves ventilation and makes it easier to perform any needed airway clearance steps (like suction) and to assess response. Oxygen alone won’t help if the passage is blocked, so addressing airway patency comes before giving oxygen or assessing lung sounds. If the obstruction isn’t relieved or the client deteriorates, escalate to emergency airway clearance measures.

Opening the airway is the first priority when there’s evidence of an airway obstruction, such as visible food in the throat. Elevating the head and trunk to a high Fowler’s position helps maximize lung expansion, aligns the airway, and uses gravity to keep the obstruction from blocking the airway. This position improves ventilation and makes it easier to perform any needed airway clearance steps (like suction) and to assess response. Oxygen alone won’t help if the passage is blocked, so addressing airway patency comes before giving oxygen or assessing lung sounds. If the obstruction isn’t relieved or the client deteriorates, escalate to emergency airway clearance measures.