Final answer:
The patient showing severe respiratory distress and hypoxia despite oxygen therapy likely requires full mechanical ventilatory support. NIPPV, CPAP, or Ativan alone may not adequately address the patient's immediate and critical breathing difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient exhibiting increased work of breathing and remaining hypoxic despite supplemental oxygen by nonrebreathing mask along with anxiety may benefit from advanced respiratory support. Considering the urgency and severity implied in the question, the respiratory therapist should recommend instituting full mechanical ventilatory support (Option B). This would involve intubation and connection to a ventilator, providing controlled ventilation to meet the patient's oxygenation and ventilation needs.
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) may be considered as a less invasive option, but the presented severity seems to warrant full mechanical support. While CPAP therapy is useful for conditions like sleep apnea and can support spontaneous breathing, it may not be sufficient given the patient's current hypoxic state despite oxygen therapy. Administering Ativan might temporarily relieve anxiety, but it does not address the underlying respiratory distress.