You are by the side of a patient who fell 5 feet from a ladder, landing on a concrete porch with lower back and buttocks. Assessment reveals an intact airway, adequate respirations, rapid radial pulse, and skin that is cool and diaphoretic. The patient complains of lower back and left leg pain. No deformity to the extremity is noted; however, the lower back is tender on palpation. The following vital signs are obtained: pulse 132, respirations 20, blood pressure 102/88 mmHg, and SpO₂ 97% on room air. Regarding oxygen therapy, you would:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's rapid pulse and the narrow pulse pressure indicated by the blood pressure reading (102/88 mmHg), which suggest shock, administering oxygen at 15 lpm through a nonrebreather mask is appropriate to ensure adequate oxygenation despite the normal SpO₂ reading.

You Are by the Side of a Patient Who Fell