A 68-year-old female exhibits shortness of breath and tripod positioning with pink sputum. What should be your immediate action?

In this scenario, the patient is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, including shortness of breath and a tripod position, which is often adopted to maximize air flow and ease breathing. The presence of pink sputum suggests possible pulmonary edema or other serious conditions such as congestive heart failure or pneumonia, indicating that the patient may be experiencing significant respiratory compromise.

Increasing oxygen delivery is an appropriate immediate action because it addresses the potential hypoxemia that the patient may be experiencing due to impaired gas exchange. Supplemental oxygen can help improve oxygen saturation levels and alleviate some of the distress the patient is feeling.

Providing oxygen in this context is a fundamental step for any patient with respiratory distress to ensure they receive adequate oxygenation while further interventions are evaluated and prepared, such as determining if advanced airway management or medications are necessary. This initial focus on oxygen support is critical to stabilize the patient's condition before considering more invasive measures or diagnostics.