A patient with severe respiratory distress can only say two words at a time. What is the MOST appropriate treatment for her?

When a patient is in severe respiratory distress and can only speak two words at a time, this indicates a significant compromise to their breathing. In this situation, providing effective ventilation is crucial. Using a bag-valve-mask device allows for the administration of positive pressure ventilation, which can help support the patient’s breathing efforts and improve oxygenation.

This approach is particularly important in cases where the patient's ability to breathe adequately on their own is severely limited. The use of a bag-valve-mask can facilitate the delivery of high concentrations of oxygen, which is essential in managing severe respiratory distress, especially if the patient is unable to maintain adequate oxygenation through their own efforts.

While oxygen therapy, calling for advanced medical support, and monitoring are all important components of patient care, they are not immediate solutions in this specific scenario. Oxygen via nasal cannula may not provide sufficient support due to the patient’s critical condition. Monitoring is essential but does not address the urgent need for ventilatory assistance. Calling for advanced medical support is necessary in a broader context, but the immediate treatment during severe respiratory distress requires proactive intervention to assist the patient's breathing.