The nurse attaches a pulse oximeter to a client's finger and obtains an oxygen saturation reading of 91%. Which assessment finding most likely contributes to this reading?
Blood pressure is 142/88 mm Hg.
Radial pulse volume is 3+.
2+ edema of fingers and hands.
Capillary refill time is 2 seconds.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Blood pressure is 142/88 mm Hg:
While elevated blood pressure may have implications for cardiovascular health, it is not directly related to oxygen saturation levels measured by a pulse oximeter.
B. Radial pulse volume is 3+:
A strong radial pulse volume suggests adequate peripheral perfusion, which would not typically contribute to a low oxygen saturation reading.
C. 2+ edema of fingers and hands:
Edema of the fingers and hands can impair the transmission of light through tissues, which may interfere with the accuracy of oxygen saturation readings obtained from a pulse oximeter. Edematous tissues may absorb light and lead to falsely low readings.
D. Capillary refill time is 2 seconds:
Normal capillary refill time indicates adequate peripheral circulation, which would not typically contribute to a low oxygen saturation reading.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Turn the head to the right and left:
Turning the head involves rotation of the cervical spine, which primarily consists of pivot joints rather than hinge joints. This action is more relevant to the movement of pivot joints.
B. Extend the arm at the side and rotate in circles:
Extending the arm and rotating it in circles primarily involves the movement of ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder joint, rather than hinge joints.
C. Bend the arm by flexing the ulna to the humerus:
This action involves bending the arm at the elbow joint by flexing the ulna (forearm bone) towards the humerus (upper arm bone). The elbow joint is a hinge joint, allowing primarily flexion and extension movements.
D. Tilt the pelvis forwards and backwards:
Tilting the pelvis forwards and backwards primarily involves the movement of ball-and-socket joints in the hip area, rather than hinge joints.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot:
Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot is within normal limits and does not require documentation in a chart-by-exception system, as it is considered an expected finding.
B. Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung:
Diminished basilar lung sounds in the left lung may indicate a respiratory issue and would be considered a significant finding warranting documentation in a chart-by-exception system.
C. Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye:
Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye is an abnormal finding (consensual response), which should be documented in a chart-by-exception system.
D. Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant:
Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant are within normal limits and do not require documentation in a chart-by-exception system, as they are considered expected findings.
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