Final answer:
In the case of suspected flail chest with severe respiratory distress, immediately applying oxygen with a nonrebreather mask is the priority to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you suspect your patient has a flail chest and presents with severe respiratory distress, you should immediately apply oxygen with a nonrebreather mask. A flail chest is a life-threatening medical condition often caused by trauma where a segment of the rib cage breaks and detaches from the rest of the chest wall. Ensuring the patient has adequate oxygenation is critical. Applying oxygen can help prevent hypoxemia, which is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the body's tissues. After oxygenation, further assessment and interventions, such as obtaining a pulse ox reading, can help in monitoring the patient's condition. Placing a bulky dressing over the chest or initiating BVM (bag-valve-mask) ventilations may be actions taken after securing the airway and based on the evaluation of a healthcare professional.