In the postanesthesia care unit (pacu), the nurse notes that the patient is having difficulty breathing and suspects an upper airway obstruction. what would the nurse do first?

The nurse should help the patient sit upright. She can hold a pillow tightly if the incision is on the chest or belly. Now slowly the patient can take normal breaths, then a slow deep breath through the mouth. This may be repeated for 10 to 15 times slowly.