If a patient with COPD becomes unconscious and cyanotic while preparing for MDI administration, what should the therapist do?

In the scenario where a patient with COPD becomes unconscious and cyanotic, the most appropriate immediate action is to place the patient on a nonrebreathing mask. This intervention is vital because the patient's altered consciousness and cyanosis indicate a potential respiratory failure or significant hypoxia. A nonrebreathing mask delivers a high concentration of oxygen, which is crucial for quickly restoring adequate oxygen levels in the blood.

When a patient is unconscious, they may not be able to protect their airway or adequately breathe on their own, making the use of supplemental oxygen critical to avoid further deterioration of their condition. The nonrebreathing mask provides oxygen to the patient while also allowing for the exhalation of carbon dioxide without dilution, which helps facilitate better oxygenation.

Other options may not address the immediate need for oxygenation effectively. For example, beginning chest compressions would be inappropriate unless the patient is in cardiac arrest, which is not confirmed in this situation. Delivering several puffs of the MDI would not be effective, as the patient is unconscious and likely unable to coordinate inhalation of the medication. Paging the physician could delay critical action when immediate oxygenation is required. Therefore, in an acute scenario like this, placing the patient on a nonrebreathing