An unconscious 24-year-old female in her third trimester shows swelling to the face and hands. What should you do?

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In the case of an unconscious pregnant woman experiencing swelling in her face and hands, the natural concern is the potential for complications related to her condition. Administering oxygen via a nonrebreather mask is the appropriate action because it delivers a high concentration of oxygen, which is critical for someone who may not be breathing adequately due to their unconscious state.

In situations involving unconscious patients, especially pregnant women, maintaining adequate oxygenation is vital to support both the mother and the fetus. The nonrebreather mask allows for maximum oxygen delivery, which is essential if the patient is not breathing adequately on her own.

In comparison, options like transporting her in a supine position could worsen any compression on the inferior vena cava, potentially reducing blood flow to the heart. Using sirens without medical necessity can also be inappropriate due to the potential for Haste without strategic benefit in this circumstance. Administering oxygen via a nasal cannula does not provide the same level of oxygen concentration as a nonrebreather mask, which is significant for an unconscious patient who may require immediate intervention in terms of oxygenation.

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