What is the best method for a nurse to ensure a patient has a patent airway in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU)?

In the postoperative setting, ensuring a patent airway is crucial for patient safety and recovery. The method of inserting an artificial airway is particularly effective because it provides a direct means to maintain airway patency, especially in patients who may be unable to maintain their airway reflexes independently due to anesthesia or sedation. This approach is especially important in patients who are at risk of airway obstruction from the relaxation of the tongue or surrounding tissues.

While techniques like encouraging deep breathing, administering supplemental oxygen, and tilting the head while thrusting the jaw can all support airway management, they rely on the patient having some level of protective airway reflexes or a certain baseline respiratory function. These methods may not be sufficient alone in cases where there is significant compromise or inability of the airway structures to keep the airway open, which is why the use of an artificial airway is considered the best method in this setting.