The nurse is assessing a patient being cared for at the end of life. Which of the following respiratory patterns would be expected?

Choice A rationale
While auscultating the lung fields can provide valuable information about the patient’s respiratory status, it is not the most immediate action needed for a COPD patient with an oxygen saturation of 89%4.
Choice B rationale
Administering oxygen is the most appropriate action for a COPD patient with an oxygen saturation of 89%. This will help increase the patient’s oxygen saturation and alleviate their shortness of breath.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed can help improve lung expansion and ease breathing, but it is not as immediately effective as administering oxygen.
Choice D rationale
Assisting the patient to get up to the chair is not the most immediate action needed for a COPD patient with an oxygen saturation of 89%4.

Choice A rationale
It is a common practice for nurses to assess a patient’s respirations without explicitly stating so. This is because patients may alter their breathing pattern if they know it’s being observed.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating heart sounds using the bell of the stethoscope is a standard practice in nursing. The bell of the stethoscope is used specifically to listen to low-frequency sounds such as heart murmurs.
Choice C rationale
Assessing both carotid pulse sites at the same time is dangerous and should be avoided. This action can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, possibly causing the patient to faint or experience a decrease in cerebral blood flow.
Choice D rationale
Cleaning the stethoscope between patient assessments is a recommended practice to prevent the spread of infections.