You are suspicious of food poisoning in a 51-year-old male with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. He is alert and oriented with no life threats to his airway, breathing, or circulation. His vital signs are: pulse 124, respirations 20, blood pressure 198/98, and SpO₂ 93% on room air. He states a history of COPD and hypertension, for which he did not take his medications today. In this situation, which of the following would be appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's SpO₂ is low indicating hypoxemia which could be exacerbating his COPD. Oxygen at 2 lpm through a nasal cannula is appropriate to improve oxygenation. Encouraging water by mouth may worsen his diarrhea, taking the missed blood pressure pill is not an emergency, and follow up with his family doctor is not urgent.

You Are Suspicious of Food Poisoning in a 51-Year-Old Male