A 52-year-old female feels light-headed and her skin looks pale. What should you do first?

Administering oxygen is the appropriate first step for this patient who is experiencing light-headedness and has pale skin, as these symptoms may indicate inadequate perfusion or oxygenation. Oxygen helps increase the amount of oxygen available for the body's tissues, which is crucial in situations where a patient may be experiencing cardiac issues or other conditions that affect circulation. Ensuring that the patient receives supplemental oxygen can help mitigate the risk of further complications arising from low oxygen levels.

In cases where patients appear light-headed and exhibit signs of poor perfusion, restoring adequate oxygenation is vital to maintain cellular metabolism and prevent potential organ damage. This initial intervention helps stabilize the patient before further assessments and treatments are undertaken. It is also a non-invasive step that can typically be performed quickly while other critical assessments and interventions are being prepared.