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?
Oxygen toxicity.
Carbon dioxide retention.
Nasal dryness.
Fire hazard.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
At a flow rate of 4 L/min, oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity, especially if used for prolonged periods. Oxygen toxicity can cause damage to the lungs and other organs.
Choice B rationale:
Carbon dioxide retention is not a common complication at this flow rate. It may occur in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at higher oxygen flow rates.
Choice C rationale:
Nasal dryness is a common but relatively minor complication of oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. It can cause discomfort but is not a severe concern.
Choice D rationale:
Fire hazard is not directly related to the use of a nasal cannula but rather to the use of oxygen in the presence of flammable materials or near open flames. It is a concern for all oxygen delivery devices, not specific to nasal cannulas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice a, b, and e.
Choice A rationale:
A non-rebreather mask is designed to deliver a high concentration of oxygen, often deemed the highest among low-flow systems. It achieves this through a reservoir bag that is filled with pure oxygen, which the patient breathes in without the dilution of room air.
Choice B rationale:
This mask has one-way valves that prevent the patient from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide. The exhaled air exits through side ports, ensuring that only oxygen from the reservoir is inhaled.
Choice C rationale:
While a non-rebreather mask delivers a high concentration of oxygen, it does not provide a consistent and precise oxygen delivery compared to devices like a Venturi mask, which are designed to deliver a specific and constant oxygen concentration.
Choice D rationale:
The design of a non-rebreather mask does not allow room air to enter through the exhalation ports. The one-way valves are there to ensure that exhaled air does not enter the reservoir bag and that room air does not mix with the oxygen being inhaled.
Choice E rationale:
By delivering a high concentration of oxygen and preventing the rebreathing of exhaled gases, a non-rebreather mask minimizes the risk of carbon dioxide retention, which can be a concern with other oxygen delivery systems that allow for the rebreathing of a portion of exhaled air.
In summary, the non-rebreather mask is advantageous for its ability to deliver a high concentration of oxygen and prevent the rebreathing of exhaled air, which also minimizes the risk of carbon dioxide retention. It is not designed for precise oxygen delivery, nor does it allow the mixing of room air during inhalation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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