Question

As you begin ventilating an unresponsive apneic man, you hear gurgling in his upper airway. Your MOST immediate action should be to _________.

1) Suction the airway
2) Continue ventilations
3) Insert an oropharyngeal airway
4) Administer high-flow oxygen

Answer 1

If you hear gurgling sounds when attempting to ventilate an unresponsive apneic individual, you should immediately suction the airway to clear any obstructions before continuing with further interventions.

Step-by-step explanation:

As you begin ventilating an unresponsive apneic man and hear gurgling in his upper airway, your most immediate action should be to suction the airway. Gurgling sounds are indicative of fluid, such as vomit or blood, in the airway which can block air from entering the lungs. Suctioning the airway can remove these fluids and allow for effective ventilation. Inserting an oropharyngeal airway or administering high-flow oxygen should only be done after the airway is cleared to ensure that air can reach the lungs. Continuing ventilations without clearing the airway can push the obstructions deeper into the airway, making the situation worse.