You are treating a patient who states that he has been short of breath for the past month. Tonight, his breathing just "got too bad" and he decided to call 911. The 67-year-old male is alert and oriented and has a patent airway. He is breathing 24 times per minute but appears to have an adequate tidal volume. His pulse is strong and regular, and his skin is warm. Vital signs are: pulse 92 beats

per minute, respirations 22, blood pressure 128/66 mmHg, and SpO2 93% while on home oxygen at 2 lpm. What instruction would you give to your partner regarding this patient's care?

A) "Let's try 3 liters of oxygen through a nasal cannula."
B) "He seems pretty stable; we can refer him to his family doctor."
C) "Why don't we see how he tolerates a nasal airway?"
D) "Let's go ahead and put him on 15 lpm of oxygen."

A

Health Professions

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