The first intervention a nurse should take for a client with difficulty breathing and using a nasal cannula is to assist the client into Fowler's position to aid in breathing.
If a client is having difficulty breathing while lying in bed with a nasal cannula, the first intervention a nurse should take is to assist the client to Fowler's position. This position involves the client being seated in an upright or semi-upright position at a 45 to 60-degree angle, which can help improve chest expansion and facilitate easier breathing.
Before attempting to increase the oxygen flow, clear pulmonary secretions, or obtain arterial blood gas specimens, ensuring the client is in a position that optimizes their ability to breathe is vital. Fowler's position can enhance pulmonary ventilation and increase oxygenation, which is crucial for a client experiencing respiratory distress.