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A patient tells you that he was thrown against the dashboard of the car and complains of chest pain and shortness of breath. Vital Signs: BP: 96/60, P= 120, R= 22. He is cyanotic and has great difficulty talking to you. The immediate treatment for this patient should be to __________.

1) Immobilize the injured area with sandbags
2) Administered oxygen via nasal cannula
3) Administer high-concentration oxygen
4) Assist him in taking his nitroglycerin pill

User Micsza
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The immediate treatment for this patient should be to administer high-concentration oxygen, given the symptoms of chest trauma, to improve tissue oxygenation and outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immediate treatment for a patient who was thrown against the dashboard of a car and is now experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, elevated pulse rate, rapid respiration rate, cyanosis, and difficulty speaking would be to administer high-concentration oxygen. This patient's symptoms could indicate a potential life-threatening condition such as pneumothorax or hemothorax associated with blunt trauma to the chest. Oxygen administration is critical, as it can improve tissue oxygenation and patient outcomes. Although CPR is an essential life-saving technique, this patient has a pulse and is breathing despite the symptoms, so starting with high-concentration oxygen is the priority. Following oxygen administration, further assessment and transportation to a medical facility are necessary for definitive care.

User Jason Kealey
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