For staging of head and neck cancer, which letter indicates whether cancer has spread to another part of the body?

A. Obtain a prescription for supplemental oxygen: This is the correct answer. The patient is experiencing hypoxia, and ensuring adequate oxygenation is the priority. Oxygen supplementation is essential to correct the hypoxia, which can exacerbate metabolic disturbances like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Improving oxygenation will also support other treatments, such as insulin administration, by improving tissue perfusion.
B. Obtain a prescription to administer insulin: While insulin is a key treatment for DKA, addressing hypoxia first is more urgent. Hypoxia can impair the effectiveness of insulin and other therapies, so stabilizing the patient’s oxygen levels should be prioritized before insulin administration.
C. Obtain a prescription to administer intravenous fluids: Administering fluids is important in DKA management, especially for rehydration and correcting electrolyte imbalances. However, addressing hypoxia first is the priority to stabilize the patient and ensure optimal perfusion for further interventions like fluid resuscitation.
D. Obtain a prescription to check the client's glucose level: This is not necessary, as the glucose level is likely already elevated, which is characteristic of DKA. The focus should be on stabilizing the patient's airway and oxygenation before monitoring glucose levels or starting insulin.

A. Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to reduce fluid overload and manage conditions like heart failure or kidney disease. It is not indicated in anaphylaxis.
B. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in anaphylaxis to reduce inflammation and prevent delayed reactions. However, it is not the first-line treatment in acute anaphylactic shock.
C. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock. It works by rapidly reversing the effects of anaphylaxis, such as bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and edema, by stimulating alpha and beta receptors. Epinephrine should be administered as soon as anaphylaxis is suspected to stabilize the patient’s condition.
D. Dobutamine is a medication used to manage shock by increasing cardiac output, but it is not used in the management of anaphylactic shock. The priority is epinephrine to reverse the anaphylactic response.