Ace the Certified Medical-Surgical RN Exam 2026 – Power Up Your Nursing Game!

Administering supplemental oxygen and assessing the airway is a critical intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress because it directly addresses the underlying issue of inadequate oxygenation and potential airway obstruction. Supplemental oxygen helps increase the oxygen supply to tissues, which is vital in respiratory distress situations, where the body may not be receiving enough oxygen due to a variety of reasons, such as obstruction, lung disease, or inadequate breathing.

Simultaneously, assessing the airway is crucial to ensure that it is clear and unobstructed. Any compromise in airway integrity can quickly lead to life-threatening situations, and timely intervention can prevent further deterioration. This dual approach not only stabilizes the patient's immediate respiratory needs but also guides further management decisions.

Options that involve encouraging the patient to speak or having them sit upright indefinitely do not prioritize immediate oxygenation and airway management. While sitting upright can help ease breathing in some scenarios, it does not replace the need for oxygen therapy in cases of severe distress. Similarly, encouraging a patient to speak can increase their work of breathing and fatigue, which can worsen their condition. Lastly, performing chest physiotherapy, while beneficial in certain conditions, does not address acute respiratory distress effectively and may not be suitable for all patients experiencing immediate distress.