Question

M.W.'s call light later in the morning and find her struggling to sit up in bed and holding her chest. She tells you that she has severe chest pain and can't breathe. A quick assessment of her vital signs reveals a blood pressure of 102/66 mm Hg, a heart rate of 110 beats/min, and a respiratory rate of 38 breaths/min, and SpO2 of 78%. M.W. is slightly confused. Chest auscultation reveals bibasilar crackles. She coughs and her sputum is frothy and red. Your first action after this initial assessment is to:________.

a. notify the health care provider.
b. start oxygen at 6 L/min per nasal cannula.
c. position her in a high Fowler's position.
d. call the laboratory for stat arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.

Answer 1

b. start oxygen at 6 L/min per nasal cannula.

Step-by-step explanation:

M.W.is showing strong signs of pulmonary embolism, which is a very serious condition that can quickly lead the patient to death. For this reason, the ideal is to act quickly and initiate an oxygen induction in the patient as soon as possible. The oxygen in the appropriate amount will be able to decrease the symptoms and allow the patient to improve.

In addition to oxygen, you should help the patient to lie down with the head raised high.