Which patient with dyspnea is seen first in the emergency department?

The patient with a bee sting with 97% O2 saturation on room air with swelling around the tongue and lips. It is important to recognize that swelling around the lips and tongue after a bee sting may represent angioedema. Angioedema demands the highest priority because it can advance quickly, compromise the airway, and lead to death. While the patient with COPD has a blood oxygenation of less than 90%, this could be the usual state for a patient with chronic COPD. The patient with a fever and chest pain likely has pneumonia and is probably the third priority of the patients listed. The patient with generalized anxiety disorder is likely experiencing a panic attack and is exhibiting good oxygenation.

Which patient with dyspnea is seen first in the emergen...

Category: Physiological Adaptation
Difficulty: 7

Topics: Delegation, Prioritization and Leadership HEENT Communication & Documentation Health Care Ethics, Law, and Policy Health Care Quality Immunity Infection Inflammation Respiratory

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