Which of the following is NOT a finding in an unstable FBAO patient?

In the context of an unstable foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) patient, the presence of a partial airway obstruction is not typically considered a finding associated with instability. An unstable FBAO represents a situation where the airway is significantly compromised, leading to critical symptoms that indicate that immediate intervention is required.

Active airway obstruction indicates that something is completely blocking the airway, and this is a hallmark of an unstable FBAO. Decreased level of consciousness occurs due to inadequate oxygenation and can arise from respiratory failure caused by the obstruction. Respiratory distress also aligns with an unstable condition, as the patient would struggle to breathe effectively due to the foreign body interference.

In cases of partial airway obstruction, the patient may still have some degree of airflow and might exhibit mild symptoms that do not suggest instability. They may be able to cough or breathe, which differs from the more severe manifestations seen in an unstable situation. Therefore, recognizing the implications of these findings helps delineate between stable and unstable airway obstruction situations in critical care environments.