Advanced Medical Life Support Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

The choice to administer supplemental oxygen and position the patient for comfort is crucial for a patient experiencing respiratory distress because it directly addresses the primary concern of inadequate oxygenation. Supplemental oxygen can help increase the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, thereby improving the patient's overall respiratory status and reducing the work of breathing.

Positioning the patient for comfort is also vital, as it can facilitate easier airflow and help alleviate feelings of breathlessness. Common positions that assist in breathing include sitting upright or leaning slightly forward, which can enhance lung capacity and ease the effort required for ventilation.

In contrast, options such as physical restraining the patient and administering sedatives can exacerbate respiratory distress by limiting the patient's ability to breathe freely. Providing only water and assessing breathing rates does not adequately address the immediate need for oxygenation and support. Immediate intubation and sedation could be necessary in critical situations; however, it is often not the first step in managing patients with respiratory distress unless they are in severe respiratory failure. Prioritizing oxygen delivery and comfortable positioning is essential in stabilizing the patient's condition before considering more invasive interventions.