A male patient with an acute exacerbation of his emphysema presents in severe distress with decreased air movement and diffuse inspiratory wheezes in all fields. HR = 132, BP = 142/88, RR =30, SaO2 = 88. Which of the following blood gas values is most likely?
A) pH of 7.6
B) PO2 of 100 mmHg
C) PCO2 of 70 mmHg
D) PCO2 of 35 mmHg
Question 2
You are on the scene of a car that hit a tree head on. The patient has a laceration to his forehead and a deformity to his left forearm. The car is a hybrid that runs on traditional as well as hydrogen gas. There is moderate front-end damage to the vehicle, but the air bags did not deploy. The patient was wearing a seat belt. What instruction is most appropriate in this situation?
A) Place a flare near the oil spill so that no one slips.
B) I need to have the battery cables disconnected.
C) Let's deactivate the air bags by turning the engine off.
D) We will need to puncture the hydrogen tank to prevent an explosion.