What should you do for an oxygen-dependent patient whose respiratory rate drops to 8 breaths per minute while on 4 Lpm oxygen?

For an oxygen-dependent patient whose respiratory rate has decreased to 8 breaths per minute, initiating positive pressure ventilation using a bag-valve mask is essential. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates significant respiratory depression, and the patient may not be adequately ventilating, which can lead to hypoventilation and hypoxia.

In this scenario, while increasing the flow rate of oxygen (the first option) might seem like a logical choice, it does not directly address the underlying issue of inadequate ventilation. Simply increasing the flow of oxygen may not improve the patient’s condition if they are not breathing effectively or at an adequate rate.

Monitoring the patient closely and reassessing every 5 minutes would be insufficient in this situation; immediate intervention is required due to the dangerously low respiratory rate.

Administering naloxone may be necessary if an opioid overdose is suspected, but it isn't a first-line response if the immediate concern is the patient's inadequate ventilatory effort.

Ventilating the patient with a bag-valve mask ensures that they are receiving adequate breaths and can help prevent potential respiratory failure during transport. This approach also allows the EMT to provide sufficient oxygen to the patient until further assessment or treatment can occur, making it the most appropriate action in this critical