My patient isβ¦
Acutely short of breath: immediately let the attending know
- Determine the root cause β asthma, cardiac, infectious?
- If the patient has a history of asthma and is wheezing β we have nebulizers in clinic (usually above the IMA firm C check in area on a shelf). You can try that to see if there is improvement first before making further decisions.
- If a patient may be short of breath for cardiac, cardiovascular causes β discuss with Attending and if needed, escort patient to the ED