What should you do for a 67-year-old female with emphysema presenting with sudden sharp shoulder pain and difficulty breathing?

Administering oxygen by non-rebreather mask is the appropriate action in this scenario because the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, which is often associated with inadequate oxygenation, especially in someone with a history of emphysema. The use of a non-rebreather mask allows for a high concentration of oxygen to be delivered quickly and effectively, addressing the potential hypoxemia that can occur due to respiratory conditions.

In cases of emphysema, the lungs' ability to exchange gases can be compromised, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Providing supplemental oxygen helps ensure that the patient receives the necessary amount of oxygen to support her respiratory needs and alleviate symptoms related to hypoxia. Given the sudden onset of sharp shoulder pain, which could suggest a pulmonary issue such as pneumothorax, the priority is to stabilize her oxygen levels immediately.

Positioning in the right lateral recumbent position may provide comfort, but it does not directly address the immediate need for oxygenation. Assisting ventilations with a bag-valve-mask (BVM) would be appropriate if the patient shows signs of inadequate breathing, but since she is only experiencing difficulty breathing, oxygen therapy is the first step. Applying CPAP is generally used for patients in respiratory distress with signs