An unresponsive 16-year-old male has snoring respirations after nearly drowning. What should you do?

In this scenario, the most appropriate action is to insert an airway. Snoring respirations indicate a partial obstruction of the airway, often caused by the tongue falling back against the throat in an unresponsive individual. By inserting an airway, such as an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, you can help maintain an open airway, facilitate effective ventilation, and ensure that air can reach the lungs adequately.

This is particularly crucial in a case of nearly drowning, where the risk of respiratory distress and hypoxia is significantly heightened. Maintaining an open airway will optimize oxygenation and ventilation, which are essential to prevent further complications associated with drowning.

Other actions such as administering oxygen, starting compressions, or taking vital signs may be important in the overall assessment and treatment of the patient, but they should follow the immediate need for airway management in this context. Ensuring that the airway is clear takes priority in patients who are unresponsive and exhibiting abnormal respiration patterns.