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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Massaging the injection site can cause bruising and bleeding, and is not recommended for subcutaneous heparin injections.
Choice B Reason: Rotating injections between different body sites can increase the risk of hematoma formation and skin irritation, and is not advised for subcutaneous heparin injections.
Choice C Reason: Expelling the air in the prefilled syringe can result in a loss of medication dose, and is not necessary for subcutaneous heparin injections.
Choice D Reason: Injecting in the abdominal area at least 2 inches from the umbilicus is the correct technique for subcutaneous heparin injections, as it reduces the risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves, and ensures consistent absorption of the medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because measuring temperature at regular intervals allows the nurse to monitor fever patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because assessing for flushed, warm skin regularly is not a reliable indicator of fever. Skin temperature may vary depending on environmental factors and blood flow.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because varying sites for temperature measurement may result in inaccurate readings. Different sites have different normal ranges and may be affected by external factors.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because documenting the client's circadian rhythms is not relevant to assessing fever patterns. Circadian rhythms are natural fluctuations in body functions that occur over a 24-hour cycle.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today