Question

A 60-year-old woman presents with acute respiratory distress. She is conscious and alert, but restless. Her respiratory rate is 26 breaths/min with adequate chest expansion, her breath sounds are clear to auscultation bilaterally, and her oxygen saturation is 84%. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate treatment for this patient?

a) Intubation
b) Supplemental oxygen therapy
c) Administer epinephrine
d) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Answer 1

Supplemental oxygen therapy is the most appropriate treatment for a 60-year-old woman with acute respiratory distress and an oxygen saturation of 84%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate treatment for a 60-year-old woman presenting with acute respiratory distress and an oxygen saturation of 84% is b) Supplemental oxygen therapy.

In this case, the patient is experiencing hypoxemia, which means there is a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in her blood. Supplemental oxygen therapy can help increase her oxygen saturation and improve her respiratory distress.