Question

You are dispatched to a residence for a 56-year-old male with an altered mental status. Upon arrival at the scene, the patient's wife tells you that he complained of chest pain the day before but would not allow her to call EMS. The patient is semiconscious; has rapid, shallow respirations; and has a thready pulse. You should:

A. obtain baseline vital signs.
B. begin ventilatory assistance.
C. attach the automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately.
D. apply a nonrebreathing mask.

Answer 1

In a scenario with a 56-year-old male experiencing altered mental status, rapid respirations, and a thready pulse, it is important to prioritize respiratory distress and provide ventilatory assistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the patient is a 56-year-old male with an altered mental status and signs of respiratory distress. Given the patient's symptoms, it is important to prioritize his respiratory status and provide ventilatory assistance. Therefore, the correct answer is B. begin ventilatory assistance.