Which initial treatment is indicated for a patient exhibiting severe respiratory distress?

Providing high-flow oxygen is a critical initial treatment for a patient exhibiting severe respiratory distress. In cases where a patient is struggling to breathe, ensuring adequate oxygenation is paramount. High-flow oxygen can improve the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, alleviating the hypoxia that often accompanies respiratory distress. This intervention helps to stabilize the patient and allows time for further assessment and treatment to address the underlying cause of the respiratory issue.

Additionally, while ensuring airway patency is vital in managing respiratory distress, it is often performed concurrently with administering oxygen rather than as a standalone initial treatment. Administering bronchodilators may be indicated depending on the cause of the distress, such as in cases of asthma or COPD exacerbations, but it is generally not considered the first step in a severe respiratory crisis without confirmed bronchospasm. Chest compressions are indicated for cardiac arrest situations rather than for addressing respiratory distress directly. Thus, the priority is to secure oxygen supply, making high-flow oxygen the most appropriate initial treatment in this scenario.