What is the first step to take for a patient experiencing hypoxia?

For a patient experiencing hypoxia, the first step is to assess the patient's airway patency. Ensuring that the airway is open and unobstructed is critical because hypoxia can often result from an inadequate airway. Only after confirming that the airways are clear can appropriate interventions, such as oxygen therapy, be effectively implemented.

Oxygen therapy is vital for addressing hypoxia, but it follows the initial assessment of the airway. Without confirming that the airway is clear, administering oxygen may not alleviate the hypoxic state if there are obstructions preventing adequate breathing.

Starting CPR is important in cases of cardiac arrest or severe respiratory distress, but for a patient who is experiencing hypoxia without those conditions, it is not the immediate first step. Similarly, administering fluids may be relevant in other medical situations but does not directly address the problem of hypoxia. Therefore, airway assessment must come first to ensure that the patient can receive oxygen effectively.