Your 76-year-old female patient is having trouble breathing.When you auscultate her lungs,you hear crackles (rales)and you are concerned that she may have pulmonary edema.Her oxygen saturation is 92%,so you place her on 100% oxygen via a nonrebreather mask.Her breathing gets a little easier with the oxygen.You decide to expedite transport since she is anxious about her condition.Later,as you are completing your reassessment,you see that her respirations have slowed to 8 times per minute and she is barely staying awake.What should you do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's decrease in respiratory rate and level of consciousness is concerning for respiratory failure. Ventilating the patient with a bag-valve mask will assist with adequate oxygenation and ventilation until ALS arrives to provide further intervention. Option A is incorrect as waiting for ALS would delay necessary intervention. Option B is not appropriate as the patient's presentation is not consistent with asthma. Option C is not a recommended intervention for an unresponsive patient who is experiencing respiratory distress.

Your 76-Year-Old Female Patient Is Having Trouble Breathing