Which action is part of the initial assessment for a patient with respiratory distress?

The initial assessment for a patient experiencing respiratory distress involves evaluating the patient's respiratory function and identifying any immediate issues that may be impacting their breathing. Listening to lung sounds and checking oxygen saturation are critical components of this assessment. By auscultating the lung sounds, a healthcare provider can identify potential abnormalities such as wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds, which can indicate conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory disorders. Checking the oxygen saturation provides quantitative data on how well oxygen is being delivered to the tissues, enabling the healthcare provider to gauge the severity of the distress and determine the appropriate intervention.

This direct assessment allows for immediate clinical insights that can guide further treatment decisions, making it an essential first step in managing respiratory distress. While administering oxygen may be necessary later in the care process, it is a response to the findings rather than a part of the initial assessment. Inquiring about recent travel history could be relevant to investigating potential infectious causes or environmental exposures but is not a priority in the initial assessment. Performing a complete blood count may provide valuable information for the overall evaluation but is not a direct response to the immediate respiratory needs of the patient during the initial assessment phase.