Question

A client enters the emergency department reporting shortness of breath and epigastric distress. what should be the triage nurse's first intervention

Answer 1

Depending on the situation, oxygen will be given and the patient will be instructed to breathe very slowly. If it is a panic attack, medication or a shot may be given to slow breathing and stop the attack. You can prop the patient up so they more easily breathe. Then they will administer oxygen and instruct you to take deep slow breaths. If this is caused by anxiety, further medication may be given. You might be clostrophobic or there might be a lot of dust in the house which would block the moisture in your lungs. This would make you gasp for air. You have a preliminary period of just classroom study before they let you loose on patients. This varies, but 6 wks at a minimum . Don't mean to alarm you but this could be lung leakage or a heart attack symptom. Or you could be suffering from anxiety.