Question

In the postanesthesia care unit (pacu), the nurse notes that the patient is having difficulty breathing and suspects an upper airway obstruction. what would the nurse do first?

Answer 1

The nurse should help the patient sit upright. She can hold a pillow tightly if the incision is on the chest or belly. Now slowly the patient can take normal breaths, then a slow deep breath through the mouth. This may be repeated for 10 to 15 times slowly.