Which of the following clinical conditions may be the cause of an acute onset of patient distress? I. hypoxia II. hypoglycemia III. pneumothorax IV. myocardial ischemia

A. I, IV only
B. I, III only
C. II, III, IV only
D. I, II, III, IV

?ANS: D
A. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
D. Correct response: The first step in the management of patient distress is to rule out any life-threatening abnormalities, particularly of the cardiac, pulmonary, and central nervous system.