Which intervention would provide the most benefit to a 35-year-old male experiencing shortness of breath with wheezing?

Prepare for the EMT Airway and Breathing Exam with our comprehensive study guide. Learn with in-depth questions, detailed explanations, and expert tips. Excel in your EMT exam!

Inhaled bronchodilators are specifically designed to relax and widen the airways in the lungs, making them an essential intervention for patients experiencing shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing. Wheezing often indicates that the air passages are constricted or inflamed, which can occur in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By administering a bronchodilator, you directly address the underlying issue by reducing bronchoconstriction, improving airflow, and alleviating the patient's symptoms.

High-flow oxygen might help a patient with shortness of breath, but it does not directly treat the cause of wheezing and may not provide significant benefit unless oxygen levels are critically low. Performing chest compressions is not appropriate in this situation, as it is indicated for cardiac arrest rather than respiratory distress. Providing oral glucose is relevant for patients with hypoglycemia but does not address the respiratory difficulties. Therefore, the inhaled bronchodilator stands out as the most effective intervention for this patient's condition.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy