What intervention will the nurse anticipate for a patient with respiratory failure and low SpO2?

In the context of a patient experiencing respiratory failure and low oxygen saturation (SpO2), the most appropriate intervention involves endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation. This approach is utilized for patients who are unable to maintain adequate gas exchange due to severe respiratory distress or failure. Endotracheal intubation provides a secure airway and allows for controlled ventilation, which is critical in ensuring that oxygen is delivered effectively to the lungs and that carbon dioxide is removed from the body.

When a patient is in respiratory failure, their inability to breathe adequately is often accompanied by significant hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and hypercapnia (increased blood carbon dioxide levels). Positive pressure ventilation helps to support or replace the patient's ineffective breathing efforts, thereby improving oxygenation and ventilation. This intervention can be life-saving in critical situations where non-invasive methods, such as mask ventilation, are insufficient.

Other interventions, while potentially beneficial in less critical situations, may not provide the same level of support required for severe respiratory failure. For instance, administering 100% O2 by non-rebreather mask can improve oxygen saturation temporarily, but it does not address the underlying problems of ventilation and gas exchange. Similarly, options involving a mini-tracheostomy or