The nurse is implementing the treatment plan. After administering the first doses of IV ceftriaxone and azithromycin and initiating oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula, what is the most important immediate nursing action?
- Encourage the patient to ambulate in the hallway to improve oxygenation
- Administer a sedative to reduce the patient's anxiety and work of breathing
- Monitor oxygen saturation continuously and reassess respiratory status in 15-30 minutes
- Obtain a sputum specimen for culture before any other intervention