The airway is the most critical component because if the airway is blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs, and hypoxia can occur rapidly. Nurses should first check if the patient’s airway is patent (open and clear). Techniques such as the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuvers can be used to open the airway. In cases of obstruction, suctioning or advanced airway management tools like an endotracheal tube might be necessary.
