A 66-year-old male has summoned your assistance because he is short of breath and his home pulse oximeter is reading 89%, despite 3 lpm of home medical oxygen. Assessment reveals an intact airway and adequate breathing. The patient's radial pulse is normal, and his skin is hot and dry. Vital signs are pulse, 84 beats/min; respirations, 18 breaths/min; and blood pressure, 166/86 mmHg. Breath sounds are clear bilaterally. The patient's pulse oximeter reading is fluctuating between 88% and 90%. In this situation, you would first:

When handling patients with special challenges, EMTs can: Assess the patient: EMTs should be aware of the patient's condition and treat what they find. They should also consider that all conditions exist on a continuum and not assume the patient has the most or least severe traits. Assess the environment: EMTs should document the environment thoroughly and observe the patient's behavior. They should also consider that some geriatric patients may have cognitive disabilities that can make it difficult to communicate effectively. Ask questions and listen attentively: EMTs should allow the... Show more

When handling patients with special challenges, EMTs can:
Assess the patient: EMTs should be aware of the patient's condition and treat what they find. They should also consider that all conditions exist on a continuum and not assume the patient has the most or least severe traits.
Assess the environment: EMTs should document the environment thoroughly and observe the patient's behavior. They should also consider that some geriatric patients may have cognitive disabilities that can make it difficult to communicate effectively.
Ask questions and listen attentively: EMTs should allow the patient to communicate at their own pace and not rush them to complete a sentence or thought.
Obtain information from the patient and caregivers: EMTs should try to obtain an explanation from both the patient and caregiver as to what happened.
Notify the hospital of the patient's special needs: EMTs should retrieve visual aids and glasses, explain and demonstrate all procedures, and allow guide dogs to accompany the patient.
Carefully lead the patient when ambulatory.

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