Question

A 74-year-old man on a surgical ward becomes acutely short of breath. On arrival, he is talking in short sentences, respiratory rate 28, oxygen saturations 90 percent on air, pulse 110 and blood pressure 100/70 mmHg. What is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Perform an ABCDE assessment starting with airway and breathing while calling for senior help

Answer

Ask about his past medical history in detail

Answer

Prescribe antibiotics immediately for possible pneumonia

Answer

Check his drug chart for missed doses before examining him

Answer

Order an urgent CT pulmonary angiogram as the first step

Practice question

A 74-year-old man on a surgical ward becomes acutely short of breath. On arrival, he is talking in short sentences, respiratory rate 28, oxygen saturations 90 percent on air, pulse 110 and blood pressure 100/70 mmHg. What is the most appropriate first action?