Question

The pulse oximeter is failing to read properly, and the patient is complaining of dyspnea, abdominal pain, and nausea and is becoming more and more anxious. What should the EMT do?

1) Repeat the SAMPLE and OPQRST history.
2) Administer high-concentration oxygen.
3) Provide four baby aspirin for the patient to chew and swallow, and then begin rapid transport.
4) Administer low-concentration oxygen.

Answer 1

The EMT should administer high-concentration oxygen to the patient experiencing dyspnea, abdominal pain, nausea, and anxiety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The EMT should administer high-concentration oxygen to the patient. The symptoms of dyspnea, abdominal pain, and nausea, along with the patient becoming more anxious, indicate that the patient is experiencing respiratory distress. High-concentration oxygen can help improve oxygenation and relieve the symptoms by providing an adequate supply of oxygen to the body.

Administering low-concentration oxygen is not recommended because the patient is in respiratory distress and requires high-concentration oxygen. Repeating the SAMPLE and OPQRST history can be done, but it is not the priority when the patient is in respiratory distress. Providing four baby aspirin and beginning rapid transport is not appropriate for the patient's symptoms and condition.