What should the respiratory therapist do for a patient with COPD experiencing ventilatory distress and shallow respirations?

• A. Obtain arterial blood for a blood gas analysis
• B. Calculate C(a-v)DO2
• C. Obtain an A-P chest radiograph
• D. Manually ventilate the patient

Answer: (A)

For a patient with COPD experiencing ventilatory distress and shallow respirations, the priority should be to assess the patient's ventilation status. Obtaining arterial blood for a blood gas analysis provides crucial information about the patient's oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance. This information is vital in determining the severity of the respiratory distress and guiding appropriate interventions.

The arterial blood gas (ABG) results will help in identifying hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels) or hypoxemia (low oxygen levels) associated with COPD exacerbations. This analysis can guide the respiratory therapist on how to manage the patient's ventilatory needs effectively, such as whether they need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

While other options may eventually contribute to the overall assessment and management of the patient, initiating the critical evaluation of gas exchange through ABG analysis is a necessary step in addressing the immediate concerns of ventilatory distress.