What should a nurse assess when caring for a patient with respiratory distress?

When assessing a patient with respiratory distress, the primary focus is on the respiratory system and its functionality. Evaluating airway patency is crucial because any obstruction can significantly impact the patient's ability to breathe effectively. The respiratory rate provides insight into how well the patient is oxygenating and compensating for potential hypoxemia; changes in this rate can indicate worsening respiratory distress or the effectiveness of treatments. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is vital to determine whether the patient is receiving adequate oxygen supply, as low saturation can prompt immediate interventions to enhance oxygen delivery.

The other options focus on aspects that, while important in holistic patient care, are not the primary concerns in immediate respiratory assessments. Assessing pain levels and comfort is essential but secondary to ensuring that the patient can breathe adequately. Skin integrity and appetite are also important, yet they are not immediate priorities when a patient is in respiratory distress. Similarly, evaluating mobility and emotional state, while relevant to overall well-being, does not directly address the acute needs presented by respiratory distress.