What is a common nursing intervention for managing respiratory distress?

Administering oxygen and positioning the patient for optimal airflow is a primary nursing intervention for managing respiratory distress. The rationale behind this approach is based on the need to enhance oxygenation and improve the patient's ability to breathe effectively.

When a patient is experiencing respiratory distress, they may struggle to get enough oxygen due to conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Administering supplemental oxygen helps to raise the arterial oxygen saturation levels, ensuring that vital organs receive adequate oxygen to function properly. This can alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and improve overall respiratory function.

Positional therapy is equally important in managing respiratory distress. Elevating the patient's upper body or placing them in a position that encourages lung expansion can help maximize airway patency and facilitate better gas exchange. For example, sitting the patient upright or in a high-Fowler's position can reduce the work of breathing and improve comfort.

The other approaches listed may not only be less effective but can also potentially worsen the patient's condition. Restricting fluid intake could lead to dehydration and thicker secretions in the respiratory tract, making it even more difficult for the patient to breathe. Increasing patient activity levels during acute respiratory distress is inappropriate, as it can elevate oxygen demand and exacerbate