What initial action should a nurse take when responding to a patient in respiratory distress?

When a patient is in respiratory distress, the initial action a nurse should take is to call for a Rapid Response or CODE-blue. This is crucial as respiratory distress can quickly lead to life-threatening complications. Activating a Rapid Response team ensures that a group of trained professionals arrives promptly to assess and manage the patient's condition effectively.

Calling for assistance allows for immediate intervention, which can include advanced airway management, medication administration, and further diagnostic evaluations. Addressing respiratory distress requires a collaborative approach, where teams can provide the necessary support and treatment, especially when the situation is critical.

While other actions, such as administering oxygen, checking medication history, or establishing a communication log, are important in providing care, they can follow the activation of emergency services. Promptly summoning help takes precedence in life-threatening situations, underscoring the need for rapid assessment and intervention in managing respiratory distress.