[Answered]: For Nursing A 71 y/o patient with PHM significant…

For Nursing A 71 y/o patient with PHM significant for obesity, smoking, breast cancer (currently undergoing staging prior to mastectomy/ lymph node resection), and recent hip fracture presents to the ED with new onset SOB. Her VS are as follows: Temp 98F, BP 130/80, HR 110 (ST), RR 30, and O2 saturation 84% on Room Air. 1.) What is your leading differential diagnosis? What (if anything) in the patient’s history predisposes her to this condition? 2.) What imaging/ lab-work would be indicated to confirm your diagnosis? 3.) Please discuss the initial management of this condition, and indications for escalation. The patient is being closely monitored in the step-down unit, when she suddenly becomes hypotensive (70/40), with worsening tachycardia and Oxygen requirements (O2 saturation 78% despite 100% Non-Rebreather Mask). Physical assessment is significant for distended neck veins (JVD) , tachypnea (RR 40), restlessness, mid-sternal chest pain, and the patient reports a feeling of impending doom. 4.) Please discuss the management of the patient with PE who suffers from acute decompensation. What are indications/ contraindications to intubation in this case?