What is the immediate next step for an unresponsive patient with snoring respirations and a carotid pulse after opening his airway?

In the scenario of an unresponsive patient exhibiting snoring respirations but still having a carotid pulse, the priority is to ensure a patent airway. The presence of snoring respirations typically indicates that the tongue may be obstructing the airway. By inserting an oropharyngeal airway, you help to prevent this obstruction and facilitate proper airflow to the lungs.

The oropharyngeal airway will keep the tongue from falling back into the throat, thereby clearing the airway to allow for more effective ventilation. This intervention is crucial in an unresponsive patient who is not able to maintain their own airway.

Once the airway is secured with the oropharyngeal airway, other interventions, such as administering oxygen, suctioning if needed, or assisting ventilation, can be performed to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation based on the patient's ongoing needs. However, the immediate step is to clear the airway obstruction, which is why inserting an oropharyngeal airway is the correct choice in this situation.