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
None
None
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 {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
Compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment, leading to reduced blood flow to the muscles and nerves in that compartment. In this case, the open fracture and subsequent reduction and stabilization procedure can cause swelling and increased pressure within the affected compartment. This can impede blood flow and potentially lead to tissue damage. Common symptoms include severe pain, swelling, numbness, and decreased or absent pulses. Immediate medical attention is necessary if compartment syndrome is suspected.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of blood clots within the deep veins, typically in the lower extremities. In the case of a client with an open fracture and immobilization with a splint, the risk of DVT increases due to factors such as reduced mobility, injury to blood vessels, and blood stasis. DVT can lead to serious complications if a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of DVT may include pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected limb.
While osteomyelitis and fat embolism syndrome can occur as complications of long bone fractures, they are not explicitly mentioned in the given scenario. Osteomyelitis refers to an infection in the bone, which can develop if bacteria enter an open fracture. Fat embolism syndrome can occur when fat globules from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream, usually following a long bone fracture.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
As individuals age, there is a natural decline in kidney function. This can result in a reduced ability to filter and excrete medications and their metabolites from the body. The decreased kidney function can lead to a longer half-life of medications, increased drug accumulation, and an increased risk of adverse drug reactions. It is important for the nurse to adjust medication dosages and frequencies based on the individual's renal function to prevent drug toxicity.
Increased liver function: Aging is associated with a gradual decline in liver function. While there may be some individual variations, in general, liver function decreases rather than increases with age. However, changes in liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of medications. Some medications may require dosage adjustments based on liver function, but it is not a common physiological change in older adults.
Increased metabolism: Aging is generally associated with a decrease in metabolism rather than an increase. The metabolic rate tends to slow down with age, which can affect the pharmacokinetics of medications. Slower metabolism can result in medications taking longer to be metabolized and cleared from the body, potentially leading to prolonged drug effects.
Decreased pulmonary function: While it is true that lung function decreases with age, the impact on medication administration is not as significant compared to kidney function. Medications are usually administered through non-pulmonary routes (e.g., oral, intravenous, transdermal), and decreased pulmonary function primarily affects the absorption of inhaled medications. However, certain respiratory conditions or compromised lung function may influence medication choices or require adjusted dosing.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today