You are working at the summit of a 9,000-foot mountain. A 60-year-old woman is brought to you complaining of headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath. You prepare to do your assessment and recognize that your goal is to:
a. give her some ibuprofen to ease her headache.
b. determine whether this is an emergent condition so that you can initiate life-saving treatment.
c. get the patient lying down to relieve her presenting symptoms.
d. find out if she has an inhaler she can use to relieve her shortness of breath.
Question 2
The most effective method for preventing high-altitude illness is to:
a. make gradual ascents.
b. maintain adequate hydration and eat a high-carbohydrate diet.
c. take medications such as Diamox.
d. avoid drinking alcohol.