In treating a climber at 11,500 feet with a headache and altered mental status, what should you do immediately?

In the scenario presented, the appropriate immediate action is to administer oxygen and move the patient to a lower altitude. At high elevations, such as 11,500 feet, climbers are at risk of altitude sickness, which can lead to serious complications, including cerebral edema or pulmonary edema. Symptoms like a headache and altered mental status are indicative of these potential conditions.

Administering oxygen helps to alleviate hypoxia, which is a lack of adequate oxygen in the body—a common issue at high altitudes. However, the most critical step is to decrease the risk of further complications by lowering the climber’s elevation. Moving to a lower altitude can significantly reduce the likelihood of the symptoms worsening and can help restore normal oxygen levels in the body.

While providing oxygen is beneficial, simply stopping and administering oxygen without a plan to lower the altitude may not adequately address the underlying problem. Moreover, waiting to see if symptoms improve could result in severe and even life-threatening conditions if the altitude sickness progresses. Immediate intervention is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the climber.