For an obese man complaining of severe difficulty breathing with a respiratory rate of 22, what should you administer?

Administering a nonrebreather mask at 10 liters per minute is the most appropriate action for an obese man experiencing severe difficulty breathing with a relatively elevated respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute. In this scenario, the patient's condition indicates a potential need for immediate oxygenation due to impaired gas exchange, which is common in individuals with obesity, who may be at risk for hypoxemia.

A nonrebreather mask is designed to deliver a high concentration of oxygen quickly and efficiently. It provides 80-100% oxygen, which is crucial in managing a patient who is struggling to breathe and may be hypoxic. The high flow rate used (10 liters per minute) ensures that the reservoir bag remains filled, allowing the patient to receive the maximum possible oxygen without rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide.

In contrast, other options may not provide the necessary level of oxygen or support. A bag-valve mask would typically be reserved for patients who are not breathing adequately on their own or require positive pressure ventilation, which is not the indication here. Supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula delivers low flow oxygen and may not suffice for a patient in respiratory distress. A bronchodilator via nebulizer is typically indicated for patients with bronchospasm or