Question

An 82-year-old patient with hypertension comes with acute onset of breathlessness. Chest X-ray is shown below. What should be done next?

• A. Oxygen inhalation Antibiotics
• B. Vasodilators
• C. IV nitroglyceryl
• D. Nebulized salbutamol

Hint:

Oxygen and antibiotics are essential in the management of acute breathlessness, especially when an infectious cause like pneumonia is suspected.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In an 82-year-old patient with hypertension and acute onset of breathlessness, the first step would be to administer oxygen inhalation and antibiotics, particularly if there is a concern about an infectious cause, such as pneumonia or an acute exacerbation of a chronic condition like heart failure. Vasodilators and IV nitroglyceryl may be considered if there is a suspicion of acute heart failure or ischemia, while nebulized salbutamol would be useful if the patient is presenting with a wheezing or obstructive component. The chest X-ray would help to further guide the management.