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Diagnosis: Patient is brought into the ER in a non-responsive state. His BP is 100/60, HR is 50, *RR is 6*. He has multiple track marks on his arms. Best first step?

User Yvanne
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The best first step for a non-responsive patient with low BP, HR, and especially low RR is to secure the airway and provide oxygenation. Issues like drug overdose should also be considered, with naloxone as a potential treatment for opioid involvement.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient brought into the ER with a non-responsive state, low blood pressure (BP), reduced heart rate (HR), and notably low respiratory rate (RR) requires immediate medical attention. The presence of multiple track marks on their arms is suggestive of potential drug use, which may be contributing to their current condition. The best first step in this scenario is to secure the airway and support breathing because a RR of 6 is critically low and indicates respiratory failure. This usually involves providing oxygenation and possibly mechanical ventilation if the patient is unable to breathe on their own. Once the patient's breathing is supported, further investigations to determine the cause of this presentation and appropriate management can proceed. The differential diagnosis could include opioid overdose, given the track marks and presentation, which might necessitate the use of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, as part of the treatment plan.

User OHHH
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