Question 1

On scene, a confused 68-year-old female with possible stroke has an SpO₂ of 91% on room air. Which one of the following indicates the most appropriate and beneficial type of oxygen therapy for this patient?

Accepted Answer

For a patient with a possible stroke and an SpO₂ of 91% on room air, a target SpO₂ of 95% with 2 lpm O₂ via nasal cannula is most appropriate. This approach avoids potential hyperoxia, which can be harmful in stroke patients, while ensuring adequate oxygenation.

Question 2

What statement indicates that an EMT understands the appropriate use of supplemental oxygen regarding care of a stroke patient?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen administration in stroke patients should be carefully managed to avoid potential harm from too high oxygen levels. The goal is to maintain adequate oxygenation, with an SpO₂ at or above 94%, without unnecessarily increasing oxygen concentration, which could potentially lead to further complications.

Question 3

An elderly male patient with a history of COPD, hypertension, and diabetes presents as lethargic and confused. His airway is patent, and breathing adequate. His skin is hot and radial pulse strong, regular, and bounding. Vital signs are: pulse 112, respirations 20, blood pressure 108/64, SpO₂ 94%, and temperature 102.8 F. Also noted is swelling to his right lower leg. Given these assessment findings, the EMT should suspect what condition as responsible for the patient's altered presentation?

Accepted Answer

The patient is presenting with signs of infection, including lethargy, confusion, a high temperature, and swelling to the right lower leg. The elevated heart rate and bounding pulse may also be signs of infection. It is important for the EMT to consider and treat a possible infection promptly as it can lead to severe complications in an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities. While peripheral edema, hypoxia, and tachycardia may all contribute to the presentation, infection is the most likely cause in this case.

Quiz 18: Altered Mental Status, Stroke, and Headache

On scene, a confused 68-year-old female with possible stroke has an SpO₂ of 91% on room air. Which one of the following indicates the most appropriate and beneficial type of oxygen therapy for this patient?

What statement indicates that an EMT understands the appropriate use of supplemental oxygen regarding care of a stroke patient?