A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. The nurse notices that the patient's nares are dry and irritated. What should the nurse do first?
Apply petroleum jelly to the nares.
Increase the flow rate of oxygen.
Change the nasal cannula to a face mask.
Connect the device to a humidifier.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should connect the nasal cannula to a humidifier first. Dry and irritated nares are common side effects of oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, and using a humidifier adds moisture to the oxygen, reducing irritation and discomfort for the patient.
Choice A rationale:
Applying petroleum jelly to the nares is not the first action to take. It might provide temporary relief, but it is essential to address the root cause of dryness, which is the lack of moisture in the oxygen delivered.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the flow rate of oxygen is not the first step because it may not address the dryness issue. It can lead to a higher concentration of oxygen, but it won't solve the problem of dry and irritated nares.
Choice C rationale:
Changing the nasal cannula to a face mask is not necessary to address the dryness. Face masks may not be well-tolerated by some patients, and it's better to try less invasive interventions first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are choices A, C, and E.
Choice A rationale:
A Venturi mask is designed to deliver a precise concentration of oxygen and is often used in COPD, where it is important not to over-oxygenate the patient. It allows for the adjustment of oxygen concentration by changing the color-coded entrainment adapters.
Choice B rationale:
A non-rebreather mask is not typically used for clients who require a precise concentration of oxygen because it is designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen, but without a way to precisely control the amount.
Choice C rationale:
An aerosol mask can be used with a nebulizer system to deliver specific concentrations of oxygen along with medication, which is beneficial for COPD patients who may need bronchodilators or steroids in addition to oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale:
A simple face mask is not suitable for delivering a precise concentration of oxygen as it does not allow for the fine control needed for COPD patients. It is generally used for short-term oxygen therapy and for patients who require a moderate amount of oxygen.
Choice E rationale:
A tracheostomy collar can provide a specific concentration of oxygen when used with a tracheostomized patient and is suitable for long-term use in COPD patients who have a tracheostomy.
In summary, for a client with COPD who requires a precise concentration of oxygen, the Venturi mask, aerosol mask, and tracheostomy collar are appropriate choices as they allow for the delivery of a specific and controlled amount of oxygen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice a. PaO2 80 mmHg.
Choice A rationale:
PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood) of 80 mmHg indicates that the oxygen therapy has been effective. Normal PaO2 levels range from 75 to 100 mmHg, so a value of 80 mmHg suggests adequate oxygenation.
Choice B rationale:
SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) of 88% is below the normal range (typically 95-100%) and indicates hypoxemia, suggesting that the oxygen therapy has not been fully effective.
Choice C rationale:
A respiratory rate (RR) of 32 breaths per minute is significantly higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and indicates respiratory distress, suggesting that the oxygen therapy has not been effective.
Choice D rationale:
Blood pressure (BP) of 160/90 mmHg is elevated and indicates hypertension, which is not a direct measure of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. This finding does not provide information about the patient’s oxygenation status.
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