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
The correct answer is D. Verify the placement of the pulse oximeter.
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","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Lead the client in guided imagery
This is a correct choice because guided imagery is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce pain and anxiety by creating a relaxing mental image for the client. Guided imagery can also lower the heart rate and blood pressure by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Choice B: Give a dose of 2.5 mg of Morphine
This is an incorrect choice because morphine is an opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and bradycardia. The client's heart rate is already elevated, which could indicate inadequate pain relief or anxiety. Giving more morphine could worsen the client's condition and mask the underlying cause of the pain.
Choice C: Assist the client to walk around the room
This is an incorrect choice because walking around the room could increase the client's pain and heart rate by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. The client has already done ambulation exercises with physical therapy at 1200, so there is no need to repeat them at 1400. The client should be allowed to rest in bed and conserve energy.
Choice D: Assess for sources of pain other than the surgical site
This is a correct choice because the nurse should always assess the client holistically and rule out any other potential causes of pain, such as infection, inflammation, or ischemia. The nurse should also check the surgical site for any signs of bleeding, hematoma, or infection. The nurse should use a comprehensive pain assessment tool that includes the location, intensity, quality, duration, frequency, and aggravating and relieving factors of the pain.
Choice E: Consult with the surgeon about the pain level
This is a correct choice because the nurse should collaborate with the surgeon and other members of the health care team to provide optimal pain management for the client. The nurse should report the client's pain score, vital signs, medication administration, and response to interventions. The surgeon may order additional tests or medications to address the cause of the pain and improve the client's comfort.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because palpating the suprapubic region for distention can be inaccurate and unreliable, as it can be affected by factors such as obesity, abdominal muscle tone, and bowel gas.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because scanning the client's bladder after voiding can measure the post-void residual urine volume, which indicates the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. A high post-void residual urine volume can indicate urinary retention.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because reviewing the chart for number of voids over last 24 hours can provide information about the frequency of urination, but not the amount or completeness of urination.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because evaluating the client for urinary incontinence can assess the involuntary loss of urine, but not the ability to empty the bladder completely.
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