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 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.

A. Remind the UAP to dry between the client’s toes completely. B. Advise the UAP that this procedure is damaging to the skin. C. Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking. D. Remove the basin of water from the client’s bed immediately.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Remind the UAP to dry between the client’s toes completely is not the best action because it does not address the risk of spillage and wetness on the bed. Drying between the toes is important to prevent fungal infections, but it can be done after removing the basin.

Choice B: Advise the UAP that this procedure is damaging to the skin is not the best action because it is not accurate and may cause confusion. Soaking the foot in warm water is not harmful to the skin, unless it is too hot or too long.

Choice C: Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking is not the best action because it does not solve the problem and may waste the cream. Skin cream should be applied after drying the foot, not mixed with water.

Choice D: Remove the basin of water from the client’s bed immediately is the best action because it prevents potential hazards such as soaking, infection, or electric shock. The nurse should ensure that the bed is dry and clean before continuing with the bath.

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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

A client who had a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) and is at risk for aspiration is being fed by an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which action by the UAP should the nurse recognize indicates the need for additional teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is providing a total bed bath for a confused and lethargic client. The UAP is soaking the client’s foot in a basin of warm water placed on the bed. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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