The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula. The oxygen saturation is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

Switch to a non-rebreather mask.

Remove the nasal cannula.

Increase the oxygen to 3 L/minute.

Verify the placement of the pulse oximeter.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Switching to a non-rebreather mask is not the immediate action to take. Non-rebreather masks deliver a high concentration of oxygen, typically reserved for severe hypoxia. The patient’s oxygen saturation is low, but not critically low. It’s important to first ensure the accuracy of the reading before escalating oxygen delivery methods.

Choice B reason: Removing the nasal cannula is not advisable. The patient is postoperative and may have impaired gas exchange due to anesthesia, pain, or decreased mobility. Removing the supplemental oxygen may worsen the patient’s hypoxemia and increase the risk of complications.

Choice C reason: Increasing the oxygen to 3 L/minute could be a potential action if the oxygen saturation reading is accurate and the patient’s condition does not improve. However, any changes to a patient’s oxygen therapy should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It’s important to first verify the accuracy of the oxygen saturation reading.

Choice D reason: Verifying the placement of the pulse oximeter is the highest priority action. Before making changes to the oxygen flow rate, it’s important to ensure that the oxygen saturation reading is accurate. Incorrect placement or function of the pulse oximeter could lead to inaccurate readings.

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is correct because providing comfort measures such as topical warm application and tactile massage can help reduce pain perception and promote relaxation by stimulating non-painful sensory receptors.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because assisting the client to ambulate as much as possible during waking hours can increase pain intensity and fatigue by aggravating inflamed or injured tissues. The nurse should encourage moderate physical activity within the client's tolerance level.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because determining client's subjective measure of pain using a numerical pain scale can help assess pain severity and effectiveness of pain management interventions. Pain is a subjective experience that varies among individuals.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging increased fluid intake and measuring urinary output every 8 hours are not directly related to pain management. These interventions are more relevant for clients with fluid imbalance or renal impairment.

Choice E Reason: This is correct because implementing a 24-hour schedule of routine administration of prescribed analgesic can help maintain a steady level of analgesia and prevent breakthrough pain. Chronic pain requires continuous treatment rather than on-demand administration.

A. Decrease the flow rate to 1 L/minute. B. Place padding around the cannula tubing. C. Apply lubricant to the cannula tubing. D. Discontinue the use of the nasal cannula.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because decreasing the flow rate to 1 L/minute can compromise the client's oxygenation and worsen hypoxia. The client's oxygen saturation level is below the normal range of 95% to 100%.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because placing padding around the cannula tubing can prevent pressure ulcers and skin breakdown caused by friction and irritation from the tubing.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because applying lubricant to the cannula tubing can increase the risk of infection and inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Lubricant should be applied sparingly to the nares only if needed.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because discontinuing the use of the nasal cannula can endanger the client's life and cause respiratory failure. The client needs supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygenation.

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The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula. The oxygen saturation is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After reviewing the admission assessment of a client with chronic pain, which intervention(s) should the nurse include in this client's plan of care? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

The nurse observes that there are reddened areas on the cheekbones of a client receiving oxygen per nasal cannula at 3 L/minute, and the client's oxygen saturation level is 92%. Which intervention would the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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