What is the recommended immediate action for a patient with severe respiratory distress?

In cases of severe respiratory distress, providing supplemental oxygen is crucial to ensure that the patient receives adequate oxygenation. This immediate action can help alleviate hypoxia, which can lead to further complications if not addressed quickly. Monitoring vital signs is equally important, as it gives insight into the patient's condition and response to the oxygen being administered. By tracking respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, you can assess the effectiveness of the intervention and make informed decisions regarding additional care.

While other options, such as administering a bronchodilator or beginning positive pressure ventilation, may be appropriate in certain scenarios, they are often dictated by the specific cause of the respiratory distress and the protocols in place. Encouraging the patient to stay calm is beneficial but does not directly address the immediate physiological need for oxygen. Therefore, providing supplemental oxygen and monitoring vital signs represents the most appropriate and immediate intervention to manage a patient experiencing severe respiratory distress.