How should a nurse proceed if a patient requires oxygen therapy in an emergency?

In an emergency situation where a patient requires oxygen therapy, the priority is to provide immediate medical intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation. Initiating oxygen therapy right away is crucial, as it can prevent or minimize hypoxia, which can lead to serious complications or worsening of the patient's condition.

In such scenarios, the nurse's first action should be to secure the airway and provide oxygen to support the patient’s respiratory needs. While it's important to assess the patient's previous oxygen use or to document actions taken, these activities should occur after ensuring the patient is receiving the required oxygen therapy. Oxygen supplementation can play a vital role in stabilizing the patient's condition during an emergency, making it the most appropriate initial response.