You have applied the pulse oximeter to a 73-year-old male complaining of weakness and heart palpitations. Your partner reports that the patient's breath sounds are clear and equal with a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute and skin that is warm but pale in color. He continues to state the following vital signs: pulse 92, blood pressure 168/70 mmHg, and SpO2 90 on room air. Given this information, which one of the following instructions would be most appropriate?
A) Let's recheck the SpO2 in 2 minutes for any change.
B) The reading must be wrong since he displays no cyanosis.
C) The SpO2 is probably normal for him since he is very pale.
D) Let's give him high-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather.
Question 2
What sign or symptom would the EMT typically associate with congestive heart failure?
A) Edema to the left arm
B) Feeling of palpitations
C) Rhonchi to both lungs that is cleared by a cough
D) Crackles in both lungs
