What can happen if airway obstruction is not resolved promptly?

What can happen if airway obstruction is not resolved promptly?

• A. It can lead to hypoxia and potential cardiac arrest
• B. It can cause an increase in heart rate
• C. It can result in a rise in blood pressure
• D. It can decrease oxygen saturation without urgency

Answer: (A)

If airway obstruction is not resolved promptly, it can lead to hypoxia and potential cardiac arrest. When an airway is blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs, which means that the body tissues and organs are deprived of the oxygen they need to function properly. This hypoxia can cause severe physiological consequences very quickly, affecting the brain and other vital organs. As oxygen levels fall, the body struggles to compensate for the lack of oxygen, which can lead to hypercapnia (an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood). If the obstruction persists, it may progress to severe complications such as loss of consciousness, organ failure, and ultimately cardiac arrest. Therefore, prompt intervention is crucial in cases of airway obstruction to restore breathing and prevent these life-threatening outcomes.

If airway obstruction is not resolved promptly, it can lead to hypoxia and potential cardiac arrest. When an airway is blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs, which means that the body tissues and organs are deprived of the oxygen they need to function properly. This hypoxia can cause severe physiological consequences very quickly, affecting the brain and other vital organs.

As oxygen levels fall, the body struggles to compensate for the lack of oxygen, which can lead to hypercapnia (an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood). If the obstruction persists, it may progress to severe complications such as loss of consciousness, organ failure, and ultimately cardiac arrest. Therefore, prompt intervention is crucial in cases of airway obstruction to restore breathing and prevent these life-threatening outcomes.