You are by the side of a 77-year-old male patient with a complaint of shortness of breath. Auscultation of his lungs indicates crackles in the bases. In addition, both of his feet are swollen. His SpO2 on room air is 82%. The remainder of his vital signs are pulse, 144; respirations, 26 breaths/min; and blood pressure 168/90, mmHg. The patient reports lower back pain with a history of a 'pinched nerve' in that area. He states that he always has this pain. He has difficulty finishing his sentences without gasping for air. What is the most appropriate care for this patient after initiating oxygen?

In an emergency, EMTs should assess a patient's airway and help them breathe using artificial ventilation. Oxygen is the main treatment for respiratory difficulty. Here are some basic steps to take: Position: If the patient is breathing adequately, use a nonrebreather mask at 12-15 liters per minute. If the patient is not breathing well, have them lie down to receive artificial ventilations. Comfort: Have the patient sit up in a comfortable position. Inhalers: If the patient has an inhaler, you can help them use it after consulting with medical direction.  Respiratory distress, also... Show more

In an emergency, EMTs should assess a patient's airway and help them breathe using artificial ventilation. Oxygen is the main treatment for respiratory difficulty. Here are some basic steps to take:
Position: If the patient is breathing adequately, use a nonrebreather mask at 12-15 liters per minute. If the patient is not breathing well, have them lie down to receive artificial ventilations.
Comfort: Have the patient sit up in a comfortable position.
Inhalers: If the patient has an inhaler, you can help them use it after consulting with medical direction. 

Respiratory distress, also called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is respiratory failure caused by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. Patients with ARDS have severe shortness of breath and often are unable to breath without the support of a ventilator. 

Other respiratory emergencies include:
Airway obstruction: These obstructions can be mild, making breathing difficult or painful, or they can be urgent and life-threatening. For example, a choking child is an urgent airway obstruction.
Pneumothorax: This is a potentially life-threatening condition commonly associated with complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and trauma.
Anaphylaxis: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. In case of anaphylactic shock, vascular collapse may occur within minutes after exposure to the allergic substances.
COPD: Patients with COPD may be semiconscious or unconscious from hypoxia, a condition in which the body's cells and tissues do not get enough oxygen, or from carbon dioxide retention.
Asthma: This is a cause of reversible airway obstruction secondary to chronic airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity. Patients often present with wheeze and shortness of breath.
Pulmonary embolism: This can increase the heart's workload and sometimes cause cardiogenic shock, which is a life-threatening condition in which your heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.
Bronchiolitis: This is generally manageable at home, but sometimes it can quickly worsen and lead to respiratory distress. 

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