A nurse is caring for a patient who has pneumonia. The patient's oxygen saturation is 85%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Increase the patient's oral fluid intake.
Raise the head of the bed.
Initiate humidified oxygen therapy.
Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Raise the head of the bed.
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the patient’s oral fluid intake is important for hydration and thinning secretions, but it is not the immediate priority when oxygen saturation is critically low.
Choice B rationale:
Raising the head of the bed helps improve lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing, which can quickly improve oxygen saturation levels. This is a critical first step in managing low oxygen saturation.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating humidified oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation, but it should follow the immediate action of raising the head of the bed to optimize breathing.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe is beneficial for clearing secretions and improving lung function, but it is not the first action to take when oxygen saturation is critically low.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect; patients have the right to refuse treatment at any time, even after signing the consent form.
Choice B reason: While the charge nurse may review the risks, it is typically the responsibility of the provider performing the procedure to ensure the patient understands the risks involved.
Choice C reason: A witness may be required to sign the consent form, but it does not necessarily have to be the patient's partner.
Choice D reason: It is important for the provider to discuss all treatment options with the patient, so they can make an informed decision.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A
Choice A rationale: Placing the patient in a supine position with knees flexed reduces tension on the abdominal wall and minimizes strain on the surgical site. This position promotes relaxation of the rectus muscles and decreases intra-abdominal pressure, which helps prevent further wound separation and evisceration. It also facilitates optimal circulation and allows for rapid assessment and intervention. Scientifically, this positioning is a first-line response to wound dehiscence and aligns with evidence-based emergency protocols.
Choice B rationale: Covering the wound with a clean towel does not meet sterile technique standards required for exposed internal tissues. In cases of dehiscence, especially with evisceration, sterile saline-soaked gauze is necessary to maintain tissue moisture and prevent infection. A clean towel may introduce contaminants and lacks the moisture-retaining properties needed to protect exposed organs. This action fails to meet scientific wound care principles and may compromise patient safety and healing.
Choice C rationale: Applying an abdominal binder to a dehisced wound can exert pressure on the compromised tissue and exacerbate separation. Binders are used prophylactically or postoperatively for support, not in acute dehiscence. Compression over an open or unstable wound risks ischemia, tissue damage, and impaired healing. Scientifically, this intervention is contraindicated during active wound separation and does not align with emergency wound management protocols.
Choice D rationale: Offering a drink of water is inappropriate during an acute surgical complication like wound dehiscence. Oral intake may be contraindicated due to potential need for surgical intervention or anesthesia. Additionally, hydration does not address the immediate risk of infection, tissue exposure, or hemorrhage. Scientifically, this action lacks relevance to the pathophysiology of dehiscence and may delay critical care. Priority should be stabilization and surgical evaluation, not fluid intake.
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