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In the context of a 65-year-old male with COPD experiencing respiratory distress and shallow breathing, performing an arterial blood gas analysis is a crucial step. This procedure helps assess the patient's gas exchange status, including levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the pH of the blood. Given that COPD can lead to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) and hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide), the arterial blood gas analysis provides immediate and valuable insight into the patient's respiratory status and acid-base balance.

The results guide further management and interventions, helping the respiratory therapist determine if supplemental oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, or more advanced interventions are required. Understanding the patient's blood gas levels is critical in managing respiratory distress, particularly in a COPD patient who may be at increased risk for respiratory failure or other complications.

While monitoring oxygen saturation with pulse oximetry is important, it does not provide the comprehensive information about carbon dioxide levels or acid-base status that arterial blood gas analysis offers. Other options, such as intubation or requesting a chest radiograph, may be relevant but are typically considered after evaluating the immediate gas exchange status through arterial blood gas analysis.