The correct answer is C. Providing high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask.
This patient is showing clear signs of moderate to severe respiratory distress, including:
Tachypnea (respiratory rate of 28)
Accessory muscle use
Cool, clammy skin (indicating increased work of breathing and possible hypoxia)
According to NREMT airway and ventilation guidelines, patients in respiratory distress who are still breathing adequately should receive high-concentration oxygen, typically via a non-rebreather mask at 10–15 L/min.
Why C is correct:
NREMT educational standards emphasize that in patients with adequate breathing but signs of distress, the appropriate intervention is:
“Administer high-flow oxygen to patients with signs of hypoxia or respiratory distress.”
A non-rebreather mask delivers the highest oxygen concentration without assisting ventilations, making it ideal for this scenario.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Nasal cannula: Provides low-flow oxygen and is insufficient for moderate to severe respiratory distress.
B. Oropharyngeal airway: Indicated only for unresponsive patients without a gag reflex, which is not the case here.
D. CPAP: Typically indicated for pulmonary edema or COPD exacerbations with signs of respiratory failure; asthma is a relative contraindication in many EMT-level protocols and is not first-line in this presentation.
Exact Extracts:
“Administer oxygen via nonrebreather mask to patients with adequate breathing and signs of respiratory distress.”
“Patients with increased work of breathing and tachypnea require high-concentration oxygen.”
“Oropharyngeal airways are indicated for unresponsive patients without a gag reflex.”
[References:, NREMT EMT Education Standards – Airway, Respiration & Ventilation, NREMT National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) Airway Management Content, Prehospital Emergency Care (EMT) – Respiratory Emergencies Guidelines, , , , ]
