You have been called for a 28-year-old male with a history of behavioral problems. He responds to painful stimuli with garbled speech. His airway is patent, but breathing is inadequate. His radial pulse is rapid and skin cool and moist. He has crackles at the bases of both lungs and the following vital signs: pulse 108, respirations 6, blood pressure 98/64, and SpO₂ 92%. A friend informs you that he thinks that he drank a considerable amount of antifreeze, possibly up to 12 hours ago, in a suicide attempt. The first thing you should do is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's inadequate breathing, the first and immediate action should be to start positive pressure ventilation to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

You Have Been Called for a 28-Year-Old Male with a History