You Are by the Side of a Patient Who Fell

Multiple Choice

You are by the side of a patient who fell 5 feet from a ladder, landing on a concrete porch with lower back and buttocks. Assessment reveals an intact airway, adequate respirations, rapid radial pulse, and skin that is cool and diaphoretic. The patient complains of lower back and left leg pain. No deformity to the extremity is noted; however, the lower back is tender on palpation. The following vital signs are obtained: pulse 132, respirations 20, blood pressure 102/88 mmHg, and SpO₂ 97% on room air. Regarding oxygen therapy, you would:

A) provide 2 lpm O₂ through a nasal cannula.
B) start positive pressure ventilation to support breathing.
C) administer oxygen at 15 lpm through a nonrebreather.
D) recognize a normal SpO₂ and forego oxygen therapy.