What should be done if a patient on oxygen exhibits signs of respiratory distress?

If a patient on oxygen exhibits signs of respiratory distress, increasing the flow rate and closely monitoring the patient is the appropriate response. This action is based on the understanding that respiratory distress may indicate inadequate oxygenation. By increasing the flow rate, oxygen delivery to the patient can be enhanced, potentially alleviating the symptoms of distress.

It's also critical to monitor the patient closely after the adjustment to assess the effectiveness of the increased flow rate and to ensure that the patient is responding positively to the change. This proactive approach allows healthcare providers to react quickly to any deteriorating condition, ensuring that adequate oxygen levels are maintained.

In contrast, decreasing the flow rate could lead to reduced oxygen availability, which may worsen the patient's condition. Switching to a different oxygen device may not be immediately necessary and could introduce unnecessary delays in treatment. Providing oral hydration, while important for overall care, does not directly address the immediate need for oxygen during respiratory distress. Thus, the focus should remain on optimizing oxygen delivery for the patient's urgent need.