Question

You are called to a home where an unconscious obese 51 year old man has CPAP attached over his mouth and nose. You find him cyanotic around the mouth, fingers and in small capillary beds. Your partner reports his SpO2 is 72%. You should

Answer 1

Immediate action is required for an unconscious patient with an SpO2 of 72% and signs of cyanosis, including verifying CPAP function, providing supplemental oxygen, ensuring a clear airway, and potentially assisting ventilation manually. Swift medical response is essential to address respiratory failure and prevent further complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When encountering an unconscious patient with signs of cyanosis and an SpO2 of 72%, immediate action is required. Cyanosis around the mouth, fingers, and in small capillary beds, along with the low oxygen saturation, indicate that the patient is experiencing severe hypoxemia and is not receiving adequate oxygen. It is critical to check if the CPAP device is functioning properly and delivering the appropriate amount of air pressure.

If the CPAP machine is not resolving the issue, or if there is a malfunction, emergency airway management should be initiated. This may include repositioning the patient, ensuring the airway is clear of obstruction, and providing supplemental oxygen. In some cases, manual assistance with ventilation using a bag valve mask may be necessary. It's also important to quickly contact emergency medical services if not already on-site. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to address the potential respiratory failure and to prevent further complications from sleep apnea.