After airway obstruction is removed in a conscious patient, what steps follow?

• A. Ventilate with high-flow O2 PRN and O2 saturation
• B. Administer epinephrine
• C. Start IV fluids
• D. Place patient supine with legs elevated

Answer: (A)

After the obstruction is cleared, the priority is ensuring adequate oxygenation. Providing high-flow oxygen and continuously monitoring oxygen saturation helps prevent hypoxia while the airway reflexes recover and any residual debris or swelling settles. Keeping the patient’s SpO2 in a normal range guides how much oxygen to give and signals if ventilation becomes inadequate. Epinephrine is only indicated for allergic reactions with airway involvement, not as a routine step after removing an obstruction. Starting IV fluids is aimed at shock or dehydration, not a standard post-obstruction action in a conscious patient. Placing the patient flat with legs elevated can hinder breathing and is not appropriate here. So the best next step is to maintain supplemental oxygen and reassess the patient’s breathing and SpO2, ready to assist ventilation if needed.