You have been called for a patient who has overdosed on drugs and alcohol. The patient is responsive to painful stimuli and is breathing shallowly at 8 times per minute, but exhibits no cyanosis. You should recognize and do which one of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates inadequate breathing, so positive pressure ventilation with supplemental oxygen is necessary to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Administering oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask alone may not provide enough oxygen to adequately support the patient's breathing.

You Have Been Called for a Patient Who Has Overdosed