A listless and lethargic 84-year-old male responds to physical stimuli with garbled speech. His respirations show poor effort and are rapid and labored with a room air SpO₂ is 84%. Additionally, you cannot appreciate breath sounds in his right lung. The best form of oxygen therapy for this patient would be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's poor effort, rapid and labored respirations, and low SpO₂, positive pressure ventilation would be the best choice of oxygen therapy to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. The lack of breath sounds in the right lung could suggest a possible pneumothorax, which may require further interventions beyond oxygen therapy alone.

A Listless and Lethargic 84-Year-Old Male Responds to Physical Stimuli