A 34-year-old female with lung cancer shows rhonchi and crackles. What is the best course of action?

In the case of a 34-year-old female with lung cancer exhibiting rhonchi and crackles, the best course of action is to administer oxygen by nasal cannula.

This approach is appropriate because the priority in this situation is to ensure adequate oxygenation, especially given the patient's underlying lung condition. Rhonchi and crackles typically indicate airway obstruction or fluid in the lungs, which can impair gas exchange. Providing supplemental oxygen helps to increase the oxygen saturation in the blood, improving the patient's respiratory status without overwhelming the airways.

Using a nasal cannula is often suitable for patients who are able to breathe on their own and do not require high levels of oxygen; it allows for a steady flow of oxygen while enabling the patient to maintain some normal breathing functions. This approach is particularly useful in patients who may not tolerate a non-rebreather mask due to anxiety or discomfort.

Other options, like administering oxygen by non-rebreather mask or assisting with ventilation using a bag-valve-mask (BVM), are typically reserved for cases of more severe respiratory distress or when the patient is unable to maintain adequate ventilation independently. Assisting with bronchodilator administration may be considered in cases of bronchospasm but is not the first-line intervention for managing general