Question

You are assessing a middle-aged male who is experiencing respiratory distress. The patient has a history of emphysema and hypertension. He appears fatigued; has weak retractions; and demonstrates labored, shallow breathing. Your MOST immediate action should be to:

a) Administer oxygen
b) Begin CPR
c) Apply an automated external defibrillator (AED)
d) Prepare to assist ventilations

Answer 1

Administering oxygen is the most immediate response required for a middle-aged male experiencing respiratory distress with a history of emphysema and hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns a middle-aged male who is presenting with symptoms consistent with respiratory distress and has a history of emphysema and hypertension. Given the described symptoms of fatigue, weak retractions, and labored, shallow breathing, the most immediate action would be to administer oxygen. Oxygen administration is crucial to address hypoxemia, which occurs when there is a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood. In such cases, providing oxygen can help increase lung volume, decrease the work of breathing, and improve the patient's overall respiratory function.