Question

A 67 y/o female complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. You auscultate rales bilaterally in the bases of the lungs. She has a narrow complex tachycardia at 186 bpm. Her vitals are BP 90/P, R 26, P 186; her skin is pale, cool and diaphoretic. Based on these findings you will follow which, stable or unstable, of the protocol?

Answer 1

Based on the patient's symptoms and vital signs, the protocol to be followed is for an unstable condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the findings of the 67-year-old female complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing, including rales in the lungs, narrow complex tachycardia at 186 bpm, pale and diaphoretic skin, and vital signs such as low blood pressure, rapid respiratory rate, and high heart rate, the protocol to be followed would be for an unstable condition.

Unstable conditions are characterized by the presence of severe symptoms and vital sign abnormalities that indicate a high risk of deterioration or life-threatening situation. In this case, the patient's symptoms and vital signs suggest a potential cardiovascular or respiratory emergency. Prompt medical intervention and close monitoring are necessary to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications.

This patient's presentation may be indicative of a severe cardiac event, such as an acute myocardial infarction (MI), or a respiratory condition, such as pneumonia. Both conditions require immediate medical attention and intervention.