Question

A 74-year-old man on the ward suddenly complains of shortness of breath and becomes drowsy. What is the most appropriate immediate approach to his assessment?

Accepted Answer

Begin the ABCDE assessment starting with airway patency

Answer

Check his blood glucose then arrange an ECG

Answer

Ask about chest pain and order a chest X-ray

Answer

Call for arterial blood gases before examining him

Answer

Give oxygen and wait to see if he improves before examining him

Practice question

A 74-year-old man on the ward suddenly complains of shortness of breath and becomes drowsy. What is the most appropriate immediate approach to his assessment?