After administering oxygen to a patient with severe back pain, how should you proceed?

Administering oxygen to a patient with severe back pain indicates that you are addressing potential respiratory needs, but it is crucial to consider the complete clinical picture. In the case of severe back pain, especially if associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath or changes in vital signs, rapid transport to the emergency department is often the most appropriate action. This is because back pain can be symptomatic of serious underlying conditions, such as aortic dissection or other cardiovascular issues, which require immediate medical evaluation and intervention.

Prompt transport ensures that the patient receives timely care from a medical facility capable of providing further diagnostics and treatment. Assessments and other interventions can be performed en route while maintaining stability and monitoring the patient.

Other actions, such as applying a heating pad or starting IV fluids, may be helpful in certain circumstances but are not priorities in the immediate management of severe back pain combined with the administration of oxygen. A thorough assessment is vital but should ideally occur as part of the rapid transport process to ensure the patient is continuously monitored during their journey to definitive care.