What should be done if a patient has a partial airway obstruction but adequate air exchange?

Encouraging the patient to cough is the most appropriate action when dealing with a partial airway obstruction that still allows for adequate air exchange. Coughing is a natural reflex that can help dislodge the obstructive material, allowing for improved airflow and the restoration of normal breathing. This technique takes advantage of the patient's ability to breathe and can be an effective way to alleviate the obstruction without needing to intervene with more invasive measures.

In situations where air exchange is still adequate, aggressive actions like administering oxygen or inserting an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) may not be beneficial and could complicate the situation. Additionally, starting CPR would be inappropriate since the patient can still breathe adequately, and such actions could cause further harm. The priority should always be to utilize the body's natural mechanisms, like coughing, to resolve the obstruction when possible.