During a fire emergency, how should the nurse assist clients with respiratory issues?

Providing manual respiratory support is the appropriate action during a fire emergency for clients with respiratory issues because smoke and harmful gases can severely impair their ability to breathe. Manual respiratory support may involve techniques such as providing oxygen through a mask or bag-valve-mask if they're unable to breathe effectively on their own. This immediate intervention can help ensure that the individual receives enough oxygen until they can be moved to a safer environment or until additional medical help arrives.

In a fire situation, clients with respiratory conditions may already be experiencing distress due to smoke inhalation or other hazards. Thus, manual respiratory support can stabilize their condition. It is vital to prioritize their respiratory needs above all other interventions while ensuring that they are kept as safe as possible during the emergency.

Other options, such as administering higher doses of medication or closing oxygen sources, are not generally effective responses in an immediate emergency and can pose additional risks. Similarly, moving clients outside quickly could expose them to further smoke and hazards, potentially worsening their respiratory situation rather than providing the necessary support.