While performing a dental procedure, Dr. Stevens drops a dental dam clamp into a patient’s mouth. The patient makes a crowing noise and shows signs of cyanosis around the mouth. What type of obstruction is the patient experiencing?

a. partial airway obstruction with adequate air exchange
b. partial obstruction with inadequate air exchange
c. cyanotic airway obstruction
d. complete airway obstruction

b. partial obstruction with inadequate air exchange