Paramedic National Registry Practice

What should be prioritized when assessing a patient with signs of respiratory distress?

1. Performing a detailed patient history

2. Administering oxygen

3. Starting IV fluids

4. Initiating CPR

The correct answer is: Administering oxygen

When assessing a patient with signs of respiratory distress, administering oxygen is a priority because effective oxygenation is crucial to ensure that the body’s tissues receive adequate oxygen for metabolism. Patients in respiratory distress often demonstrate compromised airway or breathing ability, which can lead to hypoxia, causing further complications if not addressed promptly. In this situation, oxygen therapy can quickly help alleviate some of the immediate effects of respiratory distress by improving oxygen saturation levels and supporting the respiratory system, especially if the patient is showing signs of inadequate oxygen exchange. While obtaining a detailed patient history, starting IV fluids, and initiating CPR may be important actions in the overall management of a patient, they do not address the immediate and critical need for oxygen delivery. A detailed patient history can help clarify the cause of respiratory distress but should come after basic life support measures are in place. Starting IV fluids is also secondary to ensuring the patient can breathe adequately. Initiating CPR is only relevant if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, indicating a more severe condition. Hence, in the context of priority, oxygen administration stands out as the most immediate intervention to stabilize a patient experiencing respiratory distress.