What should you do first if a resident experiences severe shortness of breath?

What should you do first if a resident experiences severe shortness of breath?

• A. Sit the resident up and wait for symptoms to ease
• B. Check blood pressure
• C. Ensure safety, call for help immediately, and follow emergency procedures; stay with the resident
• D. Call family first

Answer: (C)

Severe shortness of breath is a medical emergency, so the first action is to activate emergency response and get trained help on the scene, while keeping the resident safe and monitored. Ensure the environment is safe and the resident is in a position that eases breathing (usually upright if tolerated). Then call for help immediately and follow your facility’s emergency procedures. Stay with the resident to provide reassurance and watch for changes in condition until responders arrive. Delaying for a blood pressure check or calling family first can waste precious time, and trying to handle it without help isn’t appropriate in a severe crisis.

Severe shortness of breath is a medical emergency, so the first action is to activate emergency response and get trained help on the scene, while keeping the resident safe and monitored. Ensure the environment is safe and the resident is in a position that eases breathing (usually upright if tolerated). Then call for help immediately and follow your facility’s emergency procedures. Stay with the resident to provide reassurance and watch for changes in condition until responders arrive. Delaying for a blood pressure check or calling family first can waste precious time, and trying to handle it without help isn’t appropriate in a severe crisis.