An 8-year-old boy is unresponsive following the accidental ingestion of his father's high blood pressure medications. His airway is open and his breathing is labored and inadequate. The pulse rate is 56 beats per minute and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. Your partner states that his lungs have crackles in them and the blood pressure is 62/40 mmHg. Which of the following represents the most important care that you will provide to the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's inadequate breathing and low pulse rate indicate that the patient is in respiratory distress and possibly in shock. Positive pressure ventilation will help to increase oxygenation and assist the patient's breathing. Activated charcoal may be indicated to absorb any remaining medication in the stomach, but positive pressure ventilation takes priority in this situation. Determination of the exact medication taken is important for long-term treatment, but not an immediate priority in this critical situation. An oral airway and high-concentration oxygen may be necessary to support ventilation, but positive pressure ventilation is the best choice for this patient's current condition.

An 8-Year-Old Boy Is Unresponsive Following the Accidental Ingestion of His