A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is postoperative and has a respiratory rate of 7/min. The arterial blood gas (ABG) values include: pH 7.22 PaCO2 68 mm Hg Base excess -2 PaO2 78 mm Hg Oxygen saturation 80% Bicarbonate 28 mEq/L. Which of the following interpretations of the ABG values should the nurse make?

A. The patient's Spo2 is 97% on 2L NC:

This assessment finding indicates that the patient's oxygen saturation level (SpO2) is 97% while receiving 2 liters per minute of oxygen via nasal cannula. Oxygen saturation is a measure of the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood. A SpO2 level of 97% suggests adequate oxygenation, which is essential for effective gas exchange. Therefore, if the patient's SpO2 is within the target range on the prescribed oxygen therapy, it indicates that the interventions aimed at improving gas exchange have been effective.

B. The patient appears comfortable:

While patient comfort is important, it is not a direct indicator of effective gas exchange. A patient may appear comfortable for various reasons, such as pain relief, proper positioning, or emotional support, but this does not necessarily reflect improved gas exchange. Therefore, while comfort is an important aspect of nursing care, it is not specifically indicative of the effectiveness of interventions for impaired gas exchange.

C. The patient is coughing up copious white sputum:

The presence of copious white sputum does not directly indicate improved gas exchange. White sputum may suggest various conditions, such as respiratory tract infections or inflammation, but it does not provide direct information about gas exchange efficiency. Effective gas exchange involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the alveolar-capillary membrane, which cannot be assessed solely based on sputum production.

D. The patient is able to move out of bed without difficulty:

The ability to move out of bed without difficulty may indicate improved overall physical function or mobility, but it does not specifically reflect improved gas exchange. Gas exchange primarily involves the transfer of oxygen from the alveoli into the bloodstream and the removal of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the alveoli for exhalation. While improved gas exchange may lead to enhanced physical endurance and reduced dyspnea, the ability to move out of bed without difficulty is not a direct measure of gas exchange efficiency.

A. Air moves in and out of a wound in the chest wall.

In an open pneumothorax, also known as a sucking chest wound, there is a communication between the pleural space and the external environment through a wound in the chest wall. This allows air to move freely in and out of the pleural cavity during respiration. As a result, there is a loss of negative pressure within the pleural space, impairing lung expansion and leading to respiratory compromise. This condition is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt intervention to prevent tension pneumothorax and respiratory failure.

B. Air cannot pass freely into the thoracic cavity through a chest wound.

In an open pneumothorax, air can pass freely into the thoracic cavity through the chest wound. This communication between the external environment and the pleural space results in air movement in and out of the wound during respiration.

C. There are no audible sounds in an open pneumothorax.

In an open pneumothorax, there may be audible sounds, such as sucking or hissing sounds, particularly during inspiration. These sounds occur due to the movement of air in and out of the chest wound and can be indicative of the condition.

D. The air is trapped when it enters the cavity.

In an open pneumothorax, the air is not trapped when it enters the pleural cavity. Instead, air moves freely in and out of the wound in the chest wall, leading to respiratory compromise and potential progression to tension pneumothorax if left untreated.