What action should be taken if a patient has respiratory failure?

When a patient is experiencing respiratory failure, the immediate priority is to ensure that the airway is open and clear. This is crucial because respiratory failure indicates that the patient is no longer able to breathe effectively on their own, which can lead to low oxygen levels and potential brain damage or death if not addressed promptly.

Opening the airway can involve techniques such as the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver, depending on the circumstances and the patient's condition. Clearing the airway of any obstructions—such as vomit, blood, or foreign objects—is also essential, as these can prevent air from reaching the lungs. In cases of respiratory failure, the underlying issue must be identified and addressed, and ensuring a clear airway is the first step in providing the necessary treatment.

While assessing for pulse, monitoring vital signs, and even beginning CPR may be necessary in certain situations, those actions come after ensuring that the airway is open and that oxygen can travel unimpeded to the lungs. Ensuring a clear airway takes precedence as it lays the foundation for further interventions to restore adequate breathing and oxygenation.