What is the main focus when providing care for a patient with dyspnea?

The primary focus when providing care for a patient with dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is to ensure comfort. When a patient experiences dyspnea, it can lead to anxiety and distress. Therefore, implementing comfort measures is essential to alleviate discomfort and promote a sense of calm. This might include providing a comfortable position, using a fan to circulate air, or administering medications as prescribed to help ease breathing.

In contrast, while encouraging physical activity is important for overall health, it is not appropriate for a patient currently experiencing dyspnea, as it could exacerbate their difficulty breathing. Monitoring pulse is useful in assessing a patient’s overall condition, but it is not the primary focus when addressing dyspnea specifically. Increasing food intake does not directly address the immediate concern of breathing difficulties and may be irrelevant if the patient is struggling to breathe effectively. Therefore, focusing on comfort measures is the most appropriate approach in this situation.