A 49-year-old male patient has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and chest congestion, for the past four days.
He visited the emergency department (ED) last night due to increased difficulty in breathing.
The patient has a 20-year history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day and has no significant medical or surgical history.
The nurse has placed the patient on a cardiorespiratory monitor and administered a nasal cannula. After completing an assessment, the nurse documented the findings in the patient’s chart.
Which assessment findings indicate hypoxia?
Productive cough
Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute
Oxygen saturation of 90% on room air
Heart rate of 101 beats/minute
Capillary refill of 4 seconds
Blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A rationale
A productive cough is not a specific indicator of hypoxia. It could be a symptom of many conditions, including a common cold, flu, or other respiratory tract infections.
Choice B rationale
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths/minute for adults), indicating that the patient may be trying to increase oxygen intake and eliminate carbon dioxide due to hypoxia.
Choice C rationale
An oxygen saturation of 90% on room air is lower than the normal range (95%-100%). This indicates that the patient’s blood is not carrying as much oxygen as it should, which is a sign of hypoxia.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 101 beats/minute is higher than the normal range (60-100 beats/minute for adults). This could be a response to hypoxia as the body tries to deliver more oxygen to the tissues.
Choice E rationale
A capillary refill of 4 seconds is slightly longer than the normal range (less than 2 seconds). While this could indicate poor peripheral circulation, it is not a specific or direct indicator of hypoxia.
Choice F rationale
A blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg is higher than the normal range (less than 120/80 mm Hg). While hypertension could be related to many factors, it is not a specific indicator of hypoxia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Offering the client oral fluids is important for hydration, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can offer fluids to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice B rationale
Feeding the client a snack is a task that the UAP may perform, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can provide a snack to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice C rationale
Assessing breath sounds is within the scope of practice for a nurse, not a UAP. While it’s important to monitor a client’s respiratory status, this action is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the urinary drainage bag is an appropriate action for the UAP to take each time the client is turned. This action helps to prevent infection, maintain accurate intake and output records, and ensure the comfort and dignity of the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While taking the blood pressure in the other arm might avoid the spasms, it does not address the underlying cause of the spasms. Therefore, this is not the best action for the nurse to take.
Choice B rationale
Using a different sphygmomanometer would not necessarily prevent the spasms from occurring. The spasms are likely not caused by the equipment itself, but rather a physiological issue within the client.
Choice C rationale
The spasms in the client’s hand and fingers could be a sign of hypocalcemia, a condition where there is not enough calcium in the blood. One of the symptoms of hypocalcemia is muscle spasms or tetany. Therefore, reviewing the client’s serum calcium level would be an appropriate action to take.
Choice D rationale
Administering a PRN antianxiety medication would not address the underlying cause of the spasms. While anxiety can cause muscle tension and spasms, there is no indication in the scenario that anxiety is the cause of this client’s symptoms.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.