Reference no: EM133757198

Problem

Mr. P, a 69- year-old Hispanic man, is a retired supervisor at a building cleaning service. He has a history of coronary artery disease, dysrhythmia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a recent episode of pneumonia and a small anterior wall MI, which required a 1-month hospitalization at the local county hospital. He was discharged 3 days ago with an extensive assortment of medications to control his cardiac, renal, and pulmonary function. While at home he experienced a coughing spell that led to increasing shortness of breath and mild substernal pressure. He became increasingly anxious and requested that the paramedics be called and that he be taken to the hospital immediately because he could not "catch his breath" and that his "heart would not slow down". He was brought to the hospital and treated with oxygen via face mask at 9 liters/min. What signs and symptoms should you evaluate immediately upon Mr. P's arrival? What diagnostic techniques could you use to help determine the cause of Mr. P's shortness of breath? What therapeutic techniques should be readily available upon Mr. P's arrival?