The paramedic is called to a residence of a 55-year-old male with end-stage prostate cancer. The patient is having trouble breathing. The paramedic asks the patient's wife if the patient has an advance directive or a DNR in place. The wife recalls that her husband signed something once but says that they both want the paramedic to provide help now. How should the paramedic respond?
a. Prepare the patient for transport to the local hospital and let nurses and doctors deal with the situation.
b. Assess the patient, and if he needs oxygen, administer 10LPM via NRB, and prepare to transport.
c. Explain to the wife that since the patient has signed a document, nothing can be done for him, and then offer to transport the patient to the hospital.
d. Assess the patient, explain to the wife that since her husband is near the end, difficulty breathing is expected, and then leave the patient at home.