Which statement is recommended for airway support in sepsis?

• A. O2 saturation PRN
• B. Intubate all
• C. No oxygen
• D. Place on side

Answer: (A)

In sepsis, the priority for airway management is to ensure adequate oxygen delivery by titrating supplemental oxygen to the patient’s SpO2. Oxygen should be given and adjusted based on monitored saturation to keep tissues well-oxygenated, because hypoxemia can worsen organ dysfunction in sepsis. Intubating everyone isn’t appropriate because many patients can maintain adequate oxygenation with noninvasive support, and intubation carries risks such as hemodynamic instability and ventilation-related complications; it’s reserved for those who can’t maintain oxygenation or airway protection. Withholding oxygen is harmful, since returning a patient to adequate saturation supports perfusion and recovery. Placing a patient on their side isn’t a primary airway strategy in sepsis; while positioning can aid comfort or reduce aspiration risk, the main intervention is providing and titrating oxygen to meet target saturations based on continuous monitoring.