The nurse notes that the oxygen saturation is 88% in an unconscious patient who was transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 10 minutes previously. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Elevate the patient's head.
• B. Suction the patient's mouth.
• C. Increase the oxygen flow rate.
• D. Perform the jaw-thrust maneuver.

Answer: (D)

Securing the airway takes priority when an unconscious patient has low oxygen saturation. The jaw-thrust maneuver is the best first action because it quickly opens the airway by lifting the mandible and tongue away from the back of the throat without extending the neck, which helps protect the cervical spine in a post-anesthesia patient. This maneuver improves ventilation and oxygen delivery right away, whereas simply increasing oxygen flow won’t help if the airway is obstructed. Elevating the head can help in some situations but isn’t the safest first move when there’s potential cervical spine injury. Suctioning is important to clear secretions, but it won’t restore oxygenation if the airway remains obstructed; you typically perform suction after the airway is opened. After establishing a patent airway, deliver supplemental oxygen and monitor the patient closely, proceeding to ventilation support if needed.