A nurse is caring for a client who has hypoxemia and is receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications of oxygen therapy?

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the flow rate of oxygen may not be the priority action because the patient's shortness of breath could be due to a problem with the mask itself, rather than the amount of oxygen being delivered. Before making any adjustments to the oxygen flow rate, it is essential to assess the equipment's integrity.

Choice B rationale:

This is the priority action because a partial rebreather mask relies on the patient's exhaled breath to partially fill the reservoir bag. If the mask bag does not remain inflated during both inspiration and expiration, the patient may not be receiving the appropriate oxygen concentration, leading to increased shortness of breath. Checking the mask bag ensures that the mask is functioning correctly and delivering the intended oxygen concentration.

Choice C rationale:

Switching the patient to a non-rebreather mask for higher oxygen delivery is not the priority action in this scenario. The non-rebreather mask is used when high oxygen concentrations are required, such as in emergencies or when a patient's condition requires immediate intervention. However, the priority at this moment is to assess the current equipment's effectiveness before considering a change in oxygen delivery method.

Choice D rationale:

Reassuring the patient that shortness of breath is common with this type of mask is not appropriate without first addressing the issue at hand. The nurse should first assess the mask's functionality to ensure it is working correctly and providing the appropriate oxygen concentration before addressing the patient's concerns.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should not immediately check the patient's oxygen level with a finger device because the priority is to address the hissing sound from the mask and the patient's pale skin color, which could indicate inadequate oxygen delivery.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the patient to breathe more deeply and slowly won't address the issue of the hissing sound and the possible oxygen delivery problem. The nurse should address the equipment issue first.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. The nurse should inform the patient that there is a problem with the mask, and it needs to be fixed promptly to ensure adequate oxygen therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Lowering the flow rate may not be appropriate until the nurse has assessed and resolved the problem with the mask. It's essential to troubleshoot the equipment first.