What should be your approach when preparing a cold and rigid 91-year-old patient for emergent transport?

When preparing a cold and rigid 91-year-old patient for emergent transport, handling the patient gently is crucial for several reasons. Gentle handling minimizes the risk of causing further injury or distress to a potentially fragile or seriously ill patient. Elderly patients often have fragile skin, and rough handling can cause abrasions or other injuries, especially if they are unresponsive or have a lower level of consciousness due to their cold state.

Additionally, a patient that is cold and rigid may be experiencing a condition such as hypothermia, where any sudden jarring movements could exacerbate their physiological state. Gentle handling also helps to facilitate the accurate assessment of the patient without increasing stress or discomfort.

Other options, such as performing CPR immediately without assessing vital signs, are inappropriate because it is essential to evaluate the patient's condition first before proceeding with life-saving measures. Similarly, using external heat sources before transport could lead to complications, as the sudden application of heat may cause vasodilation and other cardiovascular responses that could be dangerous in a critically ill patient. The focus should be on preparing for transport with careful assessment and stabilization using gentle techniques.