Question

A 30-year-old male, who has been playing softball all day in a hot environment, complains of weakness and nausea shortly after experiencing a syncopal episode. Appropriate treatment for this patient includes all of the following, EXCEPT:

A) giving a salt-containing solution by mouth.
B) moving him to a cooler environment at once.
C) administering oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
D) placing him in a supine position and elevating his legs.

Answer 1

The inappropriate treatment for a patient suffering from a heat-related illness and syncopal episode after physical exertion is administering oxygen via nonrebreathing mask. Treatments should include moving them to a cooler environment, giving oral rehydration with salt solution if possible, and placing them in a supine position with elevated legs – all aimed at correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this medical scenario is emergency treatment for a patient who is likely suffering from heat-related illness and syncopal episode after physical exertion in a hot environment. The question explores which options are not recommended in the treatment of this patient.

Appropriate treatments for someone in this condition include:

The treatment that is not typically indicated for a case of heat-related illness with syncope is C) administering oxygen via nonrebreathing mask. While oxygen can be crucial in many emergency settings, in this scenario there is no indication that the patient has a respiratory condition or hypoxemia requiring supplemental oxygen. Treatment should focus on addressing potential dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, and the associated electrolyte imbalance.