A 49-year-old male patient has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and chest congestion, for the past four days.
He visited the emergency department (ED) last night due to increased difficulty in breathing.
The patient has a 20-year history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day and has no significant medical or surgical history.
The nurse has placed the patient on a cardiorespiratory monitor and administered a nasal cannula. After completing an assessment, the nurse documented the findings in the patient’s chart.
Which assessment findings indicate hypoxia?
Productive cough
Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute
Oxygen saturation of 90% on room air
Heart rate of 101 beats/minute
Capillary refill of 4 seconds
Blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A rationale
A productive cough is not a specific indicator of hypoxia. It could be a symptom of many conditions, including a common cold, flu, or other respiratory tract infections.
Choice B rationale
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths/minute for adults), indicating that the patient may be trying to increase oxygen intake and eliminate carbon dioxide due to hypoxia.
Choice C rationale
An oxygen saturation of 90% on room air is lower than the normal range (95%-100%). This indicates that the patient’s blood is not carrying as much oxygen as it should, which is a sign of hypoxia.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 101 beats/minute is higher than the normal range (60-100 beats/minute for adults). This could be a response to hypoxia as the body tries to deliver more oxygen to the tissues.
Choice E rationale
A capillary refill of 4 seconds is slightly longer than the normal range (less than 2 seconds). While this could indicate poor peripheral circulation, it is not a specific or direct indicator of hypoxia.
Choice F rationale
A blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg is higher than the normal range (less than 120/80 mm Hg). While hypertension could be related to many factors, it is not a specific indicator of hypoxia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to know the patient’s current medications as they can influence the patient’s condition and treatment plan, this information is not the most critical to convey first in this situation.
Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is a significant symptom, especially after a fall. It could indicate a possible head injury. However, the cause of the confusion (the fall) should be communicated first.
Choice C rationale
Knowing who holds the patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and decisions need to be made on their behalf. However, this information is not the most critical to convey first.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder as the reason for admission is the most important information to provide first. This gives the healthcare provider immediate context about the potential severity and type of injuries, guiding further assessment and treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A firm crib mattress is crucial in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft surfaces can conform to the infant’s face and potentially block their airway, leading to suffocation.
Choice B rationale
Propping the infant with a pillow when in a side-lying position is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep.
Choice C rationale
Swaddling the infant in a blanket for sleeping is not the most important measure to prevent SIDS. Overheating and loose bedding are risk factors for SIDS23.
Choice D rationale
Placing the infant in a prone position whenever possible is not recommended. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS23.
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