A Patient with Terminal Lung Cancer Has Called EMS for Shortness

Multiple Choice

A patient with terminal lung cancer has called EMS for shortness of breath. At the request of your paramedic partner, you are getting the patient's blood pressure. While inflating and then deflating the blood pressure cuff, the patient angrily shouts, "That thing is too tight … what are you trying to do, send me to the funeral home a couple of weeks early!" Your best reply would be:

A) "I have to get your blood pressure. The paramedic needs it."
B) "Why are you so mad at me? I am just trying to help you."
C) "I know that this is tight. I am just about done now."
D) "Do not yell at me. There is no need for yelling and I do not appreciate it."