If an elderly man exhibits stroke-like symptoms and is responsive only to deep painful stimuli, what is your priority action?

In this scenario, the elderly man's stroke-like symptoms, combined with his limited responsiveness to deep painful stimuli, indicate a significant risk for airway compromise. The priority is to ensure that the airway is open and clear to allow for adequate ventilation and prevent any potential aspiration.

Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway is a critical step because it helps maintain airway patency, especially in patients who are less responsive and may not adequately protect their own airway. This device is particularly useful for patients who retain some level of responsiveness and are breathing spontaneously but may have altered mental status. Positioning the patient upright can also assist in promoting better airflow into the lungs while minimizing the risk of aspiration, as this positioning can reduce pressure on the diaphragm and enhance respiratory function.

Other options may address airway management or support, but they either do not specifically prioritize maintaining the airway or may not be suitable given the patient’s presentation. For instance, ventilating with a bag-mask device typically requires the patient to have some level of consciousness or protective airway reflexes, which may not be reliable in this case. Similarly, suctioning could be necessary if there were visible obstructions, but without securing the airway first, it may not be effective. Placing an oropharyngeal airway