Final answer:
Suction the patient immediately (option C) to clear fluids or obstructions indicated by gurgling sounds, which is crucial in relieving respiratory distress. Chest thrusts are for solid obstructions, and intubation is for airway compromise requiring professional medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you come across a patient who appears to be in respiratory distress and is making a gurgling noise, it is critical to first clear the airway. The correct answer is C: Suction the patient immediately.
Gurgling sounds typically indicate that there is fluid or an obstruction in the airway. In such a case, suctioning can help remove these fluids and clear the airway, which is essential for the patient to breathe effectively. While chest thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) may be the right choice in scenarios where a solid object is obstructing the airway, in this case the gurgling suggests a liquid obstruction.
Intubation is usually performed by medical professionals when a patient's airway is compromised and they are unable to breathe on their own, often in a controlled environment such as a hospital. Log-rolling the patient is a technique used to move a patient with suspected spinal injuries and does not specifically address breathing or airway clearance.