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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Complete an adverse occurrence/incident report is not the most important action because it does not correct the immediate problem or prevent harm to the client. The nurse should report the incident after ensuring the safety and comfort of the client.
Choice B: Ensure that the restraints are not too tight is an important action, but it is not enough to address the issue of improper securing of the restraints. The nurse should also teach the UAP how to secure the restraints correctly and safely.
Choice C: Demonstrate proper securing of the restraints is the most important action because it educates the UAP and prevents potential complications such as injury, infection, or circulation impairment. The nurse should show the UAP how to secure the restraints to a movable part of the bed frame, not to the rails.
Choice D: Initiate the facility’s restraint flow sheet is an important action, but it is not urgent or critical in this situation. The nurse should document and monitor the use of restraints according to the facility’s policy, but only after ensuring that they are applied correctly and appropriately.
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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