A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which precaution should the nurse prioritize when administering nasal oxygen therapy to the client?
Encourage the client to take breaks from oxygen use to prevent tolerance.
Maintain nasal oxygen at a 1 to 2 liter/minute flow rate.
Assess cheeks and posterior ears for signs of skin breakdown.
Teach the client how to safely increase oxygen flow when they deem necessary.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While it is important to monitor oxygen use to prevent hypoxia and hypercapnia, taking breaks from oxygen use is not typically recommended for clients with COPD. These clients often require supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen saturation.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining a low flow rate of oxygen is crucial in clients with COPD. These clients are often “CO2 retainers,” and administering a high concentration of oxygen can suppress their respiratory drive, leading to further CO2 retention and respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
While it is important to assess for signs of skin breakdown in clients receiving oxygen therapy, this is not the priority when administering nasal oxygen to a client with COPD38.
Choice D rationale
Clients should not adjust their oxygen flow rate without medical supervision. Increasing the oxygen flow rate can lead to hyperoxia, which can be harmful, especially in clients with COPD who are CO2 retainers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This situation represents an ethical conflict. The nurse is faced with a dilemma where the children’s wishes for their parent to be a full code contradict the client’s expressed wish in their living will for Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)2. Ethical conflicts often arise in healthcare when there are differing opinions about the right course of action.
Choice B rationale
Scarcity, safety, and security are not the primary sources of conflict in this situation. While these factors can contribute to conflict in certain contexts, they do not directly apply to the ethical dilemma presented in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Competition between groups is not evident in this situation. The conflict arises from differing views on the appropriate course of action for the client’s care, not from competition.
Choice D rationale
Cultural differences are not the main source of conflict in this scenario. The conflict arises from an ethical issue related to the client’s end-of-life care, not from cultural differences.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While bleeding is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice B rationale
An air leak is a potential complication following a thoracotomy with chest tube insertion. The nurse should check the drainage system and monitor the patient’s respiratory status and chest tube drainage.
Choice C rationale
Pulmonary edema is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
Choice D rationale
Pneumonia is a potential complication following a thoracotomy, but the actions and parameters listed do not align with the care of a patient with a chest tube.
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