A patient at a mountain ski resort presents to you with notable shortness of breath. She denies any past medical history and takes no medications. Your assessment reveals crackles to the bases of both lungs. After applying oxygen, you realize that the key to helping this patient improve is to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is likely suffering from high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by decreased oxygen levels at high altitudes. The best course of action is to immediately remove the patient to a lower altitude, which will improve oxygenation and alleviate symptoms. Administering albuterol or positioning the patient in a left lateral recumbent or supine position with elevated legs will not address the underlying problem of hypoxia in this case.

A Patient at a Mountain Ski Resort Presents to You