A nurse is caring for a client who has hypoxemia and is receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications of oxygen therapy?
Oxygen toxicity.
Carbon dioxide retention.
Nasal dryness.
Fire hazard.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
At a flow rate of 4 L/min, oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity, especially if used for prolonged periods. Oxygen toxicity can cause damage to the lungs and other organs.
Choice B rationale:
Carbon dioxide retention is not a common complication at this flow rate. It may occur in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at higher oxygen flow rates.
Choice C rationale:
Nasal dryness is a common but relatively minor complication of oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. It can cause discomfort but is not a severe concern.
Choice D rationale:
Fire hazard is not directly related to the use of a nasal cannula but rather to the use of oxygen in the presence of flammable materials or near open flames. It is a concern for all oxygen delivery devices, not specific to nasal cannulas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A humidifier.
Choice A rationale:
A humidifier is necessary to prevent complications in a patient receiving oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar. Oxygen delivered through a tracheostomy can dry out the airways and cause discomfort and potential complications. Adding humidity helps maintain airway moisture and prevents drying of the mucous membranes, reducing the risk of mucus plugs and irritation.
Choice B rationale:
A water seal is not necessary for a patient receiving oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar. Water seals are used in chest drainage systems to prevent air from entering the pleural space, but they are not relevant in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
A suction catheter is used to clear secretions from the airway but is not directly related to preventing complications with oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar.
Choice D rationale:
A chest tube is not needed for a patient receiving oxygen therapy via a tracheostomy collar. Chest tubes are inserted to drain fluid or air from the pleural space, which is not applicable to this situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice a. PaO2 80 mmHg.
Choice A rationale:
PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood) of 80 mmHg indicates that the oxygen therapy has been effective. Normal PaO2 levels range from 75 to 100 mmHg, so a value of 80 mmHg suggests adequate oxygenation.
Choice B rationale:
SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) of 88% is below the normal range (typically 95-100%) and indicates hypoxemia, suggesting that the oxygen therapy has not been fully effective.
Choice C rationale:
A respiratory rate (RR) of 32 breaths per minute is significantly higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and indicates respiratory distress, suggesting that the oxygen therapy has not been effective.
Choice D rationale:
Blood pressure (BP) of 160/90 mmHg is elevated and indicates hypertension, which is not a direct measure of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. This finding does not provide information about the patient’s oxygenation status.
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