A patient with pulmonary edema is cyanotic and complaining of difficulty breathing. What should be recommended by the respiratory therapist?

a. Provide supplemental oxygen.
b. Begin mechanical ventilation.
c. Have the patient use pursed-lip breathing.
d. Begin bronchopulmonary hygiene therapy.

A
Cyanosis indicates hypoxemia. Giving supplemental oxygen will help to correct the hypoxemia and decrease the patient's work of breathing. Mechanical ventilation is not yet indicated. Pursed-lip breathing may help the breathing of a patient with an obstructive lung problem. Bronchopulmonary hygiene therapy is not indicated because there is no sign of a secretion problem.

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___________ documentation of only one element of the patient's past, family, social history

Fill in the blank with correct word.

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Unstable angina pectoris is characterized by:

A. a fixed frequency of chest pain or pressure that is often relieved by rest and several doses of nitroglycerin. B. chest pain or discomfort that may not be relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, and that occurs without a fixed frequency. C. chest pain or pressure that lasts longer than 15 minutes and is associated with myocardial necrosis. D. chest pain or pressure that occurs during periods of strenuous activity and promptly subsides with rest.

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