Additional bedside tests are rapidly obtained to evaluate his dyspnea and other symptoms.
- Blood tests are unrevealing, other than hematocrit = 33%
- EKG shows no signs of ischemia
- Portable CXR shows clear lungs and no pneumothroax
- A bedside ultrasound shows no pericardial effusion
- ABG: pH=7.48 pCO2=32 pO2=75 (4 liters O2 nasal cannula)
Results:
These results are interpreted as showing no evidence of any of the alternative causes for worsening dyspnea and you conclude that progression of his cancer is most likely responsible for his dyspnea. You explain these findings to his wife, who nods in agreement that in this case, he would want comfort measures and would not want intubation or mechanical ventilation.