A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports feeling short of breath and notes that the client's SaO2 level is 88% while on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Recheck the client's SaO, level after having the client cough and clear their throat.
Review the client's most recent Sao, level in the medical record.
Notify the charge nurse of the client's condon.
Check the client's medical records to see which medications were recently administered.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Recheck the client's SaO2 level after having the client cough and clear their throat is correct. This action is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the SaO2 reading. Sometimes, minor obstructions or secretions in the airway can momentarily affect the oxygen saturation readings. Having the client cough and clear their throat may help improve the SaO2 readings by clearing any temporary blockages.
Choice B Reason:
Review the client's most recent SaO2 level in the medical record is incorrect. While reviewing the client's history is important, the immediate priority is to verify the current SaO2 level for accuracy before taking further action.
Choice C Reason:
Notify the charge nurse of the client's condition is incorrect. While it might eventually be necessary to inform other healthcare team members, the immediate action should focus on rechecking the SaO2 level to ensure the client's current oxygen saturation status.
Choice D Reason:
Check the client's medical records to see which medications were recently administered is incorrect. Knowing the client's recent medications is important for assessment, but it may not directly address the current situation of shortness of breath and low oxygen saturation. Rechecking the SaO2 level takes precedence in this acute situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The stoma bleeds lightly when touched is incorrect. Some minor bleeding during the initial postoperative period is expected due to surgical trauma. Light bleeding when touched might not be unusual in the immediate days following colostomy placement.
Choice B Reason:
The stoma appears dark in color is correct. A dark-colored stoma could indicate compromised blood supply or ischemia, which is a concerning finding postoperatively. It's crucial to report this change in color promptly to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice CReason:
The stoma is draining a small amount of liquid stool is incorrect. In the early postoperative period, drainage of liquid stool from the stoma is normal. The digestive system needs time to adapt to the new anatomy created by the colostomy, and initially, the stool consistency might be liquid before it starts to normalize.
Choice DReason:
The stoma protrudes slightly from the abdomen is incorrect. A slightly protruding stoma is a common and expected finding after colostomy surgery. It's often a normal part of the healing process as the stoma settles and adjusts.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Verifying the bilirubin level of the tube contents is incorrect. Measuring bilirubin levels in the tube contents is not a standard or reliable method for confirming tube placement. It's not an established or recommended technique for this purpose.
Choice B Reason:
Auscultating for air insufflation is incorrect. Auscultation for air insufflation involves injecting air into the tube and listening for bubbling sounds over the stomach area. While this method is commonly used, it can sometimes yield inconsistent or inconclusive results, especially in patients with certain conditions or situations where air movement might not be detectable.
Choice C Reason:
Request a chest x-ray is correct. Obtaining a chest x-ray is the most reliable method to confirm the placement of a feeding tube, especially when the tube is newly inserted or if there are any doubts about its location. A chest x-ray can accurately visualize the position of the tube within the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring it is in the intended location before any feedings or medications are administered.
Choice D Reason:
Checking the pH level of gastric contents is incorrect. Measuring the pH level of aspirated gastric contents can provide information about the acidity of the fluid, indicating gastric placement (pH below 5) in most cases. However, the pH can be influenced by various factors like medications, enteral feeding solutions, or certain medical conditions, making it less reliable than a chest x-ray for definitive confirmation of tube placement.
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