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A CPCT is in the cafeteria during lunch. A visitor appears to be in respiratory distress. The visitor's lips and tongue are swollen. Which of the following actions should the CPCT take?

A) Offer a glass of water to the visitor
B) Call a code and initiate emergency response
C) Inform the cafeteria manager of the situation
D) Ask the visitor if they have a known allergy

User Spilarix
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The CPCT should call a code and initiate emergency response immediately, as the visitor may be undergoing anaphylactic shock, which can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and is life-threatening. Allergies should be checked after initiating the emergency response.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a visitor to the cafeteria is experiencing respiratory distress with symptoms such as swollen lips and tongue, the CPCT should take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. It is crucial to recognize that these symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction, potentially leading to anaphylaxis, which can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

The CPCT should call a code and initiate emergency response (Option B) as the first course of action. This is because the person might be experiencing anaphylactic shock, which occurs when the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause a person to go into shock. The individual's blood pressure may drop, and airways can narrow, possibly leading to death if not treated immediately. To confirm the correct action, this should be followed by asking the visitor if they have a known allergy and look for medical identification, but doing so should not delay the emergency response.

User Hodza
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