For a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath, what should the nurse do first?

In the case of a client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) experiencing shortness of breath, assisting the client to a sitting position is a critical first step. This position promotes optimal lung expansion and improves ventilation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for easier breathing. Sitting up straight or leaning slightly forward can help relieve feelings of breathlessness and enhances the effectiveness of the respiratory muscles.

While oxygen therapy might eventually be necessary to address low oxygen levels, the immediate action of positioning the client in a more comfortable and effective posture can have a quick impact on the client's ability to breathe. Additionally, breathing exercises and techniques like pursed-lip breathing, while beneficial, may not be as immediately effective without first ensuring that the client is in a position that facilitates airflow. Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but addressing the client's immediate comfort and breathing needs takes precedence in an acute situation.