What should you do if a patient who received general anesthesia reports a sore throat and hoarseness?

Providing ice chips and sips of water is a suitable response to a patient who reports a sore throat and hoarseness following general anesthesia. This is because these symptoms can arise due to intubation during the procedure, which can irritate the throat. Ice chips can help soothe the throat and provide some hydration, while sips of water can help ease discomfort and keep the patient hydrated.

Administering analgesics may be considered if the pain is significant, but initially, soothing measures such as ice chips are often preferred. Throat lozenges can also provide some relief but are better suited for later management once it is confirmed that the patient can tolerate them without aspirating. Encouraging vocal rest is a common recommendation for throat irritation, but it may not address the immediate need for soothing relief that ice chips and water can provide.