What is the primary goal of administering high-flow oxygen to a patient in respiratory distress?

The primary goal of administering high-flow oxygen to a patient in respiratory distress is to improve oxygen saturation. In cases of respiratory distress, patients often struggle to get enough oxygen into their bloodstream, which can lead to hypoxia—a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the body. By providing high-flow oxygen, you're increasing the amount of oxygen available for the patient to breathe, which helps ensure that their tissues and organs receive the necessary oxygen to function properly.

Improving oxygen saturation is crucial because it can significantly enhance a patient's chances of recovery and prevent complications from insufficient oxygenation, such as organ failure or cardiovascular issues. By effectively increasing the oxygen levels, you support the body's metabolic needs and help stabilize the patient’s condition.

The other options don't address the immediate physiological needs of a patient in respiratory distress as directly as improving oxygen saturation does. For example, increasing blood pressure might be relevant in certain situations but is not the primary focus when dealing with respiratory distress. Reducing anxiety can be beneficial and may occur as the patient feels better with improved oxygen, but it's not the primary goal of oxygen supplementation. Similarly, facilitating airway management is critical in some contexts, but the foremost aim of administering high-flow oxygen is specifically tied to enhancing oxygen delivery and saturation in cases of