Thinking Critically
A 52-ycar-old man, 4 days post anterior MI, is just transferred into the ICU from the general medical floor with severe shortness of breath. The initial assessment reveals the following:
What is the fint priority in the care of this patient?
(A) Obtain an arterial blood gas measurement
(B) Initiate a nesiritide infusion
(C) Prepare to intubate the patient
(D) Call a Code Blue
What is the mo1t likely underlying cause for thia patient's respiratory compromise?
(A) Acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edcma
(B) Abrupt onset of septic shock with adult respiratory distress syndrome
(C) Acute anxiety attack
(D) Hypovolemic shock
Medical management of this 1ituation would molt likely include what interventions?
(1) Administration of a diuretic to reduce preload
(2) Initiation of a dobutamine infusion at 5 mcg/kg/min
(3) Consideration for mechanical support
(4) Consideration for intubation and ventilator support
(A) 1 and3
(B) 1 and2
(C) 3 and4
(D) All of the above