You are transporting a 48-year-old male patient between medical facilities...
During the history, you learn that the patient was involved in a fall at work and suffered a hip fracture and a
head injury. The patient is now presenting with labored breathing at 30/min that has progressively worsened
over the last 24 hours, a heart rate of 104, and a blood pressure of 98/70. On auscultation, you hear diffuse
rales. The patient denies any complaints of pain other than those related to his recent fall. What is the most
likely cause of the patient's respiratory distress?
When you arrive at the receiving facility you must transfer care to the ED staff. By giving a report to the
attending nursing staff about the past medical history the patients complaint assessment and interventions you
have just allowed for what?