For a 60-year-old female resting after shortness of breath during a marathon, what is the first step?

In the scenario of a 60-year-old female experiencing shortness of breath after participating in a marathon, the first step is to administer oxygen. Shortness of breath can indicate a number of potential issues, including decreased oxygenation and respiratory distress. Providing supplemental oxygen can help improve the patient’s oxygen saturation levels, alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications.

Administering oxygen is a crucial initial treatment for any patient displaying signs of respiratory compromise, especially in a physically exerting situation like running a marathon where the body may be under stress. Prioritizing oxygen administration allows for immediate support to the patient’s respiratory status, making it a critical first step in the assessment and management of her condition.

While assessing vital signs like pulse rate or blood pressure and moving the patient to a more secure location are important components of care, they do not address the potentially urgent need for oxygenation that comes with shortness of breath. Focusing on airway and breathing issues first is consistent with basic life support principles.