In an intubated patient with low oxygen saturation, what is the priority?

• A. Suction the endotracheal tube
• B. Increase ventilator rate
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Check blood glucose

Answer: (A)

Maintaining airway patency is the priority when an intubated patient has low oxygen saturation. A common cause of sudden desaturation is secretions or a mucus plug blocking the endotracheal tube. Suctioning the tube directly removes those obstructions, restores airflow, and quickly improves oxygenation. Other actions may be necessary later, but they don’t address the immediate airway blockage. Administering IV fluids or checking blood glucose won’t rapidly correct hypoxemia from an airway obstruction. If saturation remains low after suctioning, then evaluate for circuit disconnections, a kinked or mispositioned tube, or ventilator issues and adjust accordingly.