A patient should receive high-flow oxygen if he or she exhibits:

High-flow oxygen is indicated for a patient who exhibits cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from inadequate oxygenation in the blood. This sign is often associated with serious respiratory distress or failure, indicating that the body is not receiving sufficient oxygen to meet its needs.

When a patient shows signs of cyanosis, it is a clear signal that the patient may be experiencing significant hypoxia, and providing high-flow oxygen becomes critical to improve oxygen saturation levels promptly. This intervention helps restore adequate oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues, preventing further complications.

While fever, anxiety, and dehydration can all be symptoms associated with various medical conditions, they do not directly indicate the immediate need for high-flow oxygen like cyanosis does. Fever might suggest an infection, anxiety can be linked to multiple factors including respiratory distress, and dehydration may require fluid replacement rather than oxygen therapy. Thus, cyanosis stands out as the most urgent indication for high-flow oxygen administration.