A 25-year-old female is experiencing difficulty breathing despite using her inhaler. What is the most appropriate action?

In a situation where a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing and has already used her inhaler without relief, administering oxygen by a non-rebreather mask is the most appropriate action. This method is effective because it provides a high concentration of oxygen, which can help alleviate hypoxia and improve the patient’s oxygen saturation levels.

When a patient is in respiratory distress, it's crucial to ensure that they receive adequate oxygen, and a non-rebreather mask is designed for such emergencies because it can deliver approximately 90% oxygen. This is especially important if the patient's breathing is compromised or if there is evidence of significant respiratory distress.

Additionally, a non-rebreather mask allows the patient to get oxygen quickly, which can be vital in cases where conditions like asthma exacerbations or other acute respiratory events are present. The mask has a reservoir bag that provides a sufficient supply of oxygen, ensuring that the patient gets the necessary support while other interventions or treatments are planned or initiated.

Other options may not be as effective in this context. For example, withholding the inhaler would not help the patient who is already experiencing difficulty, while administering oxygen via nasal cannula might not provide enough oxygenation in a severe distress scenario. Assisting ventilation could be necessary if the patient were