You are assessing a 73-year-old male complaining of altered mental status and shortness of breath. The patient is conscious, but confused. He is breathing at a rate of 20 breaths per minute. His pulse is rapid and weak, and his skin cool and diaphoretic. An Emergency Medical Responder provides you with the following vital signs: pulse 136, respirations 20, blood pressure 168/88, and SpO₂ at 89%. Family states that he is diabetic and takes insulin. He also has a history of hypertension, colon cancer, irregular heartbeat, and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Which one of the following should you do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's symptoms of altered mental status, shortness of breath, rapid and weak pulse, cool and diaphoretic skin, and an SpO₂ at 89%, applying supplemental oxygen is the most immediate action to address the patient's hypoxia and support his respiratory function.

You Are Assessing a 73-Year-Old Male Complaining of Altered Mental