Mr. Davies, a 75-year-old resident with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), becomes acutely short of breath while walking to the dining room. He is using his accessory muscles to breathe and is visibly distressed. What should the HCA do FIRST?

Question: Mr. Davies, a 75-year-old resident with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), becomes acutely short of breath while walking to the dining room. He is using his accessory muscles to breathe and is visibly distressed. What should the HCA do FIRST?

Answer options: ✅ Help him sit down in a high Fowler's position.

• Encourage him to take slow, deep breaths.
• Call for the LPN/RN immediately.
• Provide him with a glass of water.

Correct answer: Help him sit down in a high Fowler's position.

Explanation: Assisting Mr. Davies to a high Fowler's (upright) position can help maximize lung expansion and ease breathing, which is the immediate priority during an acute shortness of breath episode in COPD. Once stable in position, further actions like reporting to the nurse can follow.