A nurse is caring for a 65-year-old male client in the clinic who presents with shortness of breath and a productive cough. The client has a history of smoking and was recently treated with antibiotics for pneumonia.

Exhibits

Nurses Notes (0700hrs): The client reports feeling increasingly short of breath over the past two days. He has a productive cough with greenish sputum. He denies chest pain but mentions feeling very fatigued. The client appears anxious and is using accessory muscles to breathe. He is sitting upright in bed and leaning forward slightly. The client states he has not been able to sleep well due to the cough. He also reports a decreased appetite over the past few days.

Physical Examination Results (0700hrs): The client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. He has a productive cough with greenish sputum. His skin is warm and dry to the touch. Breath sounds are diminished in the lower lobes with crackles heard bilaterally. The client is using accessory muscles to breathe and has a prolonged expiratory phase. His nail beds are slightly cyanotic. The client is diaphoretic and appears fatigued.

Vital Signs (0700hrs):

• Temperature: 38.3°C (100.9°F)
• Heart Rate: 110 bpm
• Respiratory Rate: 28 breaths per minute
• Blood Pressure: 140/90 mmHg
• Oxygen Saturation: 88% on room air

Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?