A nurse is preparing to measure a client’s oxygen saturation and notes edema of the client’s hands and thickened toenails.
Where should the nurse apply the pulse oximeter probe?
Toe
Finger
Skin fold
Earlobe
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Applying the pulse oximeter probe to the toe might not provide an accurate reading if the client has poor peripheral circulation. Additionally, thickened toenails can interfere with the reading.
Choice B rationale
Edema in the hands can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading. The probe might not fit properly or provide a reliable reading if the finger is swollen.
Choice C rationale
Applying the pulse oximeter probe to a skin fold is not recommended. The probe needs to be placed on a relatively flat, thin area of skin to accurately measure oxygen saturation.
Choice D rationale
The earlobe is a suitable alternative site for pulse oximetry if the fingers and toes are not viable options. The earlobe is typically less affected by peripheral vasoconstriction, which can occur with hypothermia, certain medications, and certain diseases. Therefore, Choice D is the correct answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A client who has community-acquired pneumonia with copious respiratory secretions should be assigned to the private room. This is because pneumonia, especially with copious respiratory secretions, can be transmitted through the air, and therefore requires airborne precautions.
Choice B rationale
A client who has AIDS and is coughing up blood may not necessarily require a private room for airborne precautions. While AIDS is a serious condition, it is not primarily transmitted through the air. Instead, it is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, particularly blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
Choice C rationale
A client who has Guillain-Barré syndrome and is on a ventilator would not necessarily require a private room for airborne precautions. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder, not an infectious disease, and it is not transmitted from person to person.
Choice D rationale
A client who has bronchitis and a tracheostomy may not necessarily require a private room for airborne precautions. While bronchitis can be caused by an infection, it is typically transmitted through direct contact or droplet transmission, not through the air.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Withholding the medication until the prescribing provider is available could potentially put the patient at risk, especially if the medication is critical for the patient’s health and well-being.
Choice B rationale
Requesting to speak with the provider who is covering for the prescriber is the most appropriate action in this situation. This allows the nurse to clarify the prescription and ensure the safety of the patient.
Choice C rationale
Contacting the pharmacy to confirm that the dosage is safe to administer could be a part of the process, but it should not be the first step. The nurse should first contact a healthcare provider to discuss the prescription.
Choice D rationale
Informing the charge nurse and administering the usual dose of the medication without first consulting with a healthcare provider could potentially put the patient at risk.
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