Final answer:
A technician should check for respiratory obstruction when a patient exhibits dyspnea and cyanosis, as these symptoms indicate a possible blockage of the airway, leading to insufficient oxygen in the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient shows clinical signs of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen), the technician should check for respiratory obstruction. These symptoms suggest that the patient's airway may be blocked, preventing sufficient airflow and causing a drop in the blood's oxygen levels. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as aspirated objects, swelling of the airway tissues, or other obstructions. Situations of choking, such as meconium aspiration in newborns or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants, are clear examples where respiratory obstruction can lead to dyspnea and cyanosis. Immediate medical attention is essential to resolve the obstruction and restore adequate breathing and oxygenation.