What is an important step in caring for patients with respiratory distress?

Monitoring pulse oximetry continuously is crucial in the care of patients experiencing respiratory distress. This step allows healthcare providers to measure the patient's oxygen saturation levels in real time, offering essential information about how well oxygen is being delivered to the body. Maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is vital in preventing complications that can result from insufficient oxygen supply, such as hypoxia or respiratory failure. Continuous monitoring provides insight into the effectiveness of interventions and can guide further treatment decisions, ensuring that the patient's respiratory status is closely observed and managed appropriately.

The other options do not address the immediate needs of a patient in respiratory distress effectively. Providing psychological support alone falls short of addressing the physical health concerns that dominate a situation of respiratory failure. Waiting for symptoms to resolve without action could lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition, as timely interventions based on monitoring are required. Additionally, transporting a patient without prior assessment omits critical steps to evaluate their respiratory status and may overlook the need for immediate interventions. Therefore, continuous monitoring of pulse oximetry stands out as a necessary and proactive measure in managing respiratory distress.