When caring for a client receiving oxygen therapy, the nurse identifies condensation in the oxygen tubing. What action should the nurse take?

Answer: c. Applying a sterile dressing over the tracheostomy site.

Explanation: Applying a sterile dressing over the tracheostomy site helps prevent infection by providing a barrier against microorganisms. It also ensures a clean environment for optimal oxygen delivery and promotes wound healing.

Incorrect choices: a. Regularly suctioning the tracheostomy tube is important for maintaining airway patency but may not directly address infection prevention or oxygen delivery.

b. Assessing the client's respiratory rate every hour is important for monitoring respiratory status but does not specifically address infection prevention or oxygen delivery.

d. Administering humidified oxygen through the tracheostomy tube may be necessary to provide moistened air to the client's lungs but does not directly address infection prevention.

Answer: c. Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation continuously.

Explanation: Continuous monitoring of the client's oxygen saturation allows the nurse to assess the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and ensure the prescribed oxygen concentration is being delivered. It helps in making timely adjustments to the oxygen therapy to maintain adequate oxygenation.

Incorrect choices: a. Assessing the client's respiratory rate every hour is important but does not directly ensure the delivery of the prescribed oxygen concentration.

b. Checking the oxygen flow rate every 4 hours is important for monitoring equipment functionality but does not directly ensure the delivery of the prescribed oxygen concentration.

d. Adjusting the oxygen mask snugly on the client's face is important for proper fit and oxygen delivery, but it does not directly ensure the delivery of the prescribed oxygen concentration.