A Patient with a Heavy Smoking History and Chronic Obstructive

Multiple Choice

A patient with a heavy smoking history and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema) presents in marked respiratory distress with cyanosis noted to her fingertips. When administering oxygen to this patient, the EMT would remember that:

A) oxygen should be provided at the same level as the patient receives at home.
B) high-concentration oxygen must be provided if the patient's condition warrants.
C) oxygen must be administered only through a nasal cannula.
D) high-concentration oxygen will be toxic to the patient and must be avoided.