What is the potential risk of leaving a dyspneic resident unattended?

The risk of exacerbating respiratory distress is a significant concern when a dyspneic resident is left unattended. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can be caused by various underlying health issues such as COPD, heart failure, or pneumonia. If a resident experiencing dyspnea is not monitored and attended to, there is a possibility that their respiratory condition could worsen. This could lead to increased shortness of breath, decreased oxygen saturation levels, or even acute respiratory failure, which may require immediate medical intervention.

Prompt assistance can provide necessary interventions such as positioning, oxygen therapy, or medication administration that may alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Ensuring that the resident is attended to also allows for continuous monitoring, enabling healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of any interventions and adjust care as necessary to optimize the resident's respiratory status.