What is the most immediate concern for a nurse when caring for a patient showing signs of respiratory distress?

In the context of a patient exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, assessing the patient's vital signs and oxygenation is paramount. This assessment allows the nurse to quickly determine the severity of the respiratory distress and identify any immediate life-threatening conditions, such as hypoxia or a significant drop in oxygen saturation. By gathering this critical data, the nurse can prioritize interventions based on the patient's specific needs, guiding decisions on whether to administer treatments like bronchodilators or provide supplemental oxygen.

While administering bronchodilators is vital for managing certain respiratory conditions, it should be based on the assessment findings to ensure it is the appropriate intervention. Monitoring for signs of infection is important, but it is secondary to addressing the patient's immediate respiratory needs. Providing emotional support, while beneficial for patient comfort, does not address the critical physiological issues that need immediate intervention in the case of respiratory distress. Therefore, the initial step must be a thorough assessment to inform the appropriate course of action.