A 65-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with fever, productive cough, and dyspnea. Chest X-ray reveals consolidation in the right lower lobe. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized for this patient?
Obtain blood cultures
Administer IV fluids
Initiate oxygen therapy
Start chest physiotherapy
Oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for this patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of pneumonia. In respiratory infections like pneumonia, patients often experience hypoxemia due to impaired gas exchange in the affected lung areas. Providing supplemental oxygen helps to maintain adequate oxygenation, reducing the work of breathing and preventing further complications. While other interventions like antibiotics and fluid management are important, ensuring proper oxygenation is critical in the initial management of respiratory infections. Blood cultures, although valuable for identifying the causative organism, are not the immediate priority. Similarly, while chest physiotherapy may be beneficial later in the treatment course, it is not the first-line intervention in the acute phase of a respiratory infection.
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