What nursing intervention is critical for a patient showing signs of shortness of breath in late pregnancy?

The critical nursing intervention for a patient showing signs of shortness of breath in late pregnancy involves immediate monitoring of respiratory status and positioning. During the later stages of pregnancy, the growing uterus can exert pressure on the diaphragm, which may lead to difficulty breathing. Monitoring the patient's respiratory status is essential to assess the severity of the shortness of breath and identify any potential complications, such as pulmonary embolism or other respiratory issues.

Proper positioning is also vital; encouraging the patient to sit up or assume a position that relieves pressure on the diaphragm can facilitate better lung expansion and improve oxygenation. This intervention directly addresses the patient's current symptoms and aims to stabilize their condition, highlighting the importance of both assessment and supportive measures in managing respiratory distress during pregnancy.

Other options, while they may have their own merits in different contexts, would not effectively address the immediate concern of shortness of breath in this scenario.