A nurse is applying oxygen via nasal cannula to a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client reports extreme shortness of breath. At what rate should the nurse set the flowmeter?
4L of oxygen per minute
2L of oxygen per minute
6L of oxygen per minute
8L of oxygen per minute
The Correct Answer is B
A. Oxygen at 4L per minute is generally too high for clients with COPD. High oxygen concentrations can suppress their hypoxic drive, which is their primary mechanism for breathing.
B. Oxygen at 2L per minute is the appropriate starting rate for clients with COPD. This flow rate provides supplemental oxygen without significantly increasing the risk of suppressing the client’s respiratory drive.
C. Oxygen at 6L per minute is excessive for clients with COPD and can lead to complications such as hypercapnia or respiratory depression.
D. Oxygen at 8L per minute is not recommended for clients with COPD unless specifically ordered in a life-threatening situation, as it can suppress their respiratory drive and worsen their condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.8"]
Explanation
· Set up a proportion: (Desired dose) / (Available concentration) = (Amount to administer)
· Plug in the values: (3,800 units) / (5,000 units/mL) = X mL
· Solve for X: X = 3,800 / 5,000 X = 0.76 mL
· Round to the nearest tenth: X = 0.8 mL
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assessing the patient’s vital signs is important but is not the first priority during an acute asthma attack. The primary concern is airway patency and breathing effectiveness.
B. Checking the patient’s blood pressure is part of a comprehensive assessment but is not the immediate priority in this scenario. It does not directly address the respiratory distress associated with an asthma attack.
C. Assessing the patient’s lung sounds is the first priority as it provides critical information about the severity of the airway obstruction and the effectiveness of the patient’s breathing. Identifying wheezing, diminished breath sounds, or silent chest (absence of airflow) is essential for immediate intervention.
D. Obtaining a complete medical history is important for long-term management but is not the priority during an acute asthma attack. Immediate assessment and stabilization take precedence.
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