You have been ventilating a patient who starts to vomit. What is the best action to take?

In the scenario where a patient begins to vomit while being ventilated, the most appropriate action is to turn the patient to his side and use a suction catheter to clear the vomit. This approach prioritizes maintaining a patent airway while ensuring that any vomit can be effectively removed, minimizing the risk of aspiration.

Turning the patient to his side allows gravity to assist in preventing further aspiration of vomit into the lungs, which is critical for maintaining respiratory function and preventing complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, using a suction catheter provides a safe and effective means of clearing the vomit from the airway, which is essential for reestablishing effective ventilation.

Other options may present risks or may not effectively address the situation. For example, positioning the patient on their back could lead to increased risk of aspiration, as vomit may flow back into the airway. Techniques like finger sweeps can potentially push obstructions deeper into the airway, creating further complications. Similarly, using a whistle tip suction while the patient is on their back may not be as effective in removing vomit and does not provide the necessary safeguards against aspiration.

Thus, turning the patient to their side and using a suction catheter is the best practice in this scenario, focusing on both safety and