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 A
Explanation
Choice A: Notify the healthcare provider is the correct action because it is the nurse's responsibility to report any medication errors or adverse reactions to the prescriber as soon as possible.
Choice B: Document the event on the chart is not the next action because it should be done after notifying the healthcare provider and completing an incident report.
Choice C: Complete an incident report is not the next action because it should be done after notifying the healthcare provider and before documenting the event on the chart.
Choice D: Inform the nurse on the next shift is not the next action because it should be done after documenting the event on the chart and during handoff.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because waiting for notification that the system has been rebooted can delay the client's care and compromise safety. The nurse should report the problem as soon as possible and use alternative methods of documentation.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because identifying information as late entry in the record is a secondary action that should be done after the system is restored. The nurse should prioritize resolving the technical issue and ensuring continuity of care.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because notifying information services department of the situation is the first action that the nurse should take to alert the experts who can troubleshoot and fix the problem. The nurse should also follow the facility's policy and procedure for documenting in a downtime situation.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because printing electronic medical record (EMR) from backup server may not be feasible or accessible depending on the extent of the system failure. The nurse should use paper forms or charts as a temporary measure until the system is back online.
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