The nurse attaches a pulse oximeter to a client's finger and obtains an oxygen saturation reading of 91%. Which assessment finding most likely contributes to this reading?
Blood pressure is 142/88 mm Hg.
Radial pulse volume is 3+.
2+ edema of fingers and hands.
Capillary refill time is 2 seconds.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Blood pressure is 142/88 mm Hg:
While elevated blood pressure may have implications for cardiovascular health, it is not directly related to oxygen saturation levels measured by a pulse oximeter.
B. Radial pulse volume is 3+:
A strong radial pulse volume suggests adequate peripheral perfusion, which would not typically contribute to a low oxygen saturation reading.
C. 2+ edema of fingers and hands:
Edema of the fingers and hands can impair the transmission of light through tissues, which may interfere with the accuracy of oxygen saturation readings obtained from a pulse oximeter. Edematous tissues may absorb light and lead to falsely low readings.
D. Capillary refill time is 2 seconds:
Normal capillary refill time indicates adequate peripheral circulation, which would not typically contribute to a low oxygen saturation reading.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Turn the head to the right and left:
Turning the head involves rotation of the cervical spine, which primarily consists of pivot joints rather than hinge joints. This action is more relevant to the movement of pivot joints.
B. Extend the arm at the side and rotate in circles:
Extending the arm and rotating it in circles primarily involves the movement of ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder joint, rather than hinge joints.
C. Bend the arm by flexing the ulna to the humerus:
This action involves bending the arm at the elbow joint by flexing the ulna (forearm bone) towards the humerus (upper arm bone). The elbow joint is a hinge joint, allowing primarily flexion and extension movements.
D. Tilt the pelvis forwards and backwards:
Tilting the pelvis forwards and backwards primarily involves the movement of ball-and-socket joints in the hip area, rather than hinge joints.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle:
Elevating the head of the bed can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. While this intervention is important, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.
B. Lift and lock the side rails in place:
Ensuring the safety of the client by lifting and locking the side rails is important, but it does not directly address the client's OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.
C. Apply the client's positive airway pressure device:
This is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.
D. Remove dentures or other oral appliance:
While removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.
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