A nurse has obtained a client's oxygen saturation measurement of 88% on 2 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check the client's heart rate on the oximeter
Compare the result with the baseline reading
Decrease the amount of oxygen administered
Perform another reading while the client ambulates
The Correct Answer is B
Answer: B. Compare the result with the baseline reading
Rationale:
A. Check the client's heart rate on the oximeter:
Although checking the heart rate may provide context for assessing the client's overall status, it does not address the primary concern of the low oxygen saturation. Understanding the client's baseline saturation level takes priority to guide further actions effectively.
B. Compare the result with the baseline reading:
Comparing the reading with the client's baseline is essential. For clients with chronic respiratory conditions, baseline oxygen levels may naturally be lower. Identifying if this 88% saturation is typical or unusual for the client helps determine the need for further intervention or adjustment.
C. Decrease the amount of oxygen administered:
Reducing oxygen flow when the saturation is low is contraindicated, as it could worsen hypoxia. Instead, increasing oxygen may be warranted if the reading remains below the baseline after further assessment.
D. Perform another reading while the client ambulates:
Repeating the reading during ambulation may worsen hypoxia and is not ideal without understanding baseline oxygenation at rest. Re-evaluation at rest or in a different position may be more appropriate for accurate assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should identify that caring for a client who has a new onset of chest pain is outside the scope of practice for an LPN. This is a complex and potentially life-threatening situation that requires the assessment and intervention of a registered nurse (RN) or other advanced practice provider.
b) Caring for a client who has a tracheostomy is within the scope of practice for an LPN.
c) Caring for a client who is receiving enteral feedings is within the scope of practice for an LPN.
d) Caring for a client who has urinary retention is within the scope of practice for an LPN.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale:
- While maintaining a distance of 3 feet can reduce the risk of direct contact transmission, it is not the most effective measure for contact isolation precautions.
- Contact isolation aims to prevent the spread of pathogens that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the infected person or contaminated objects.
- A distance of 3 feet may not be sufficient to prevent transmission via droplets or fomites (inanimate objects that can harbor infectious agents).
Choice B rationale:
- Sterile gloves are not routinely required for contact isolation precautions.
- They are primarily used for sterile procedures or when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
- For contact isolation, standard clean gloves are usually sufficient to protect against transmission via direct contact.
Choice C rationale:
- Leaving equipment that is used routinely in the client's room is a crucial part of contact isolation precautions.
- This practice prevents the spread of infection by minimizing the movement of potentially contaminated items outside of the isolation room.
- Equipment like stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers should be dedicated to the client's use and not shared with other patients.
Choice D rationale:
- Negative-pressure airflow rooms are used for airborne isolation precautions, which are designed to prevent the spread of pathogens that can be transmitted through the air.
- Contact isolation does not specifically require a negative-pressure room, as the primary mode of transmission is through direct or indirect contact, not airborne particles.
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