Your patient is a 48-year-old male with a history of COPD. He presents in obvious respiratory distress and states that he is coughing up a lot of mucus. His airway is patent, and he is breathing 18 times per minute. You notice labored breathing and accessory muscle use. You should:

A) suction the airway.
B) have the patient cough vigorously to dislodge any mucus.
C) administer oxygen through a nonrebreather mask.
D) provide positive pressure ventilation.

C