The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula. The oxygen saturation is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

Switch to a non-rebreather mask.

Remove the nasal cannula.

Increase the oxygen to 3 L/minute.

Verify the placement of the pulse oximeter.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Switching to a non-rebreather mask is not the immediate action to take. Non-rebreather masks deliver a high concentration of oxygen, typically reserved for severe hypoxia. The patient’s oxygen saturation is low, but not critically low. It’s important to first ensure the accuracy of the reading before escalating oxygen delivery methods.

Choice B reason: Removing the nasal cannula is not advisable. The patient is postoperative and may have impaired gas exchange due to anesthesia, pain, or decreased mobility. Removing the supplemental oxygen may worsen the patient’s hypoxemia and increase the risk of complications.

Choice C reason: Increasing the oxygen to 3 L/minute could be a potential action if the oxygen saturation reading is accurate and the patient’s condition does not improve. However, any changes to a patient’s oxygen therapy should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It’s important to first verify the accuracy of the oxygen saturation reading.

Choice D reason: Verifying the placement of the pulse oximeter is the highest priority action. Before making changes to the oxygen flow rate, it’s important to ensure that the oxygen saturation reading is accurate. Incorrect placement or function of the pulse oximeter could lead to inaccurate readings.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Reassess the client and the level of pain is the correct intervention because it helps the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and plan further actions. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain scale and check for any signs of adverse effects or complications.
Choice B: Tell the client the medication needs more time to work is not a correct intervention because it may dismiss the client’s pain and delay appropriate treatment. The nurse should acknowledge the client’s pain and explain the expected onset and duration of the medication.
Choice C: Ask the UAP to offer a backrub to the client is not a correct intervention because it may not be sufficient or appropriate for the client’s pain. The nurse should assess the client’s pain before delegating any nonpharmacological interventions to the UAP.
Choice D: Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths is not a correct intervention because it may not be effective or feasible for the client’s pain. The nurse should assess the client’s pain and offer other complementary therapies that are suitable and acceptable for the client.

A. Positions the head with the chin tilted slightly downward. B. Raises the head of the bed to 60 degrees. C. Places food on the unaffected side of the mouth. D. Allows 30 minutes of rest before feeding.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward can help prevent aspiration by closing the airway and directing food to the back of the throat.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because raising the head of the bed to 60 degrees can help prevent aspiration by using gravity to keep food in the stomach and away from the lungs.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth can help prevent aspiration by stimulating the intact nerves and muscles that control swallowing.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because allowing 30 minutes of rest before feeding can increase the risk of aspiration by reducing the client's alertness and coordination. The UAP should feed the client when he or she is awake and responsive.

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The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula. The oxygen saturation is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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