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 C

Explanation

Choice A: Blood pressure is not the first vital sign to obtain because it is not as sensitive to changes in the level of consciousness as respiratory rate. Blood pressure may be normal or elevated in some cases of decreased consciousness, such as stroke or head injury.

Choice B: Temperature is not the first vital sign to obtain because it is not as relevant to the level of consciousness as respiratory rate. Temperature may be normal or slightly elevated in some cases of decreased consciousness, such as infection or dehydration.

Choice C: Respiratory rate is the first vital sign to obtain because it reflects the adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation, which are essential for brain function. Respiratory rate may be increased, decreased, or irregular in cases of decreased consciousness, depending on the cause and severity.

Choice D: Pulse rate is not the first vital sign to obtain because it is not as indicative of the level of consciousness as respiratory rate. Pulse rate may be normal, fast, or slow in cases of decreased consciousness, depending on the cause and compensatory mechanisms.

A. Wait for notification that the system has been rebooted. B. Identify information as late entry in the record. C. Notify information services department of the situation. D. Print electronic medical record (EMR) from backup server.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because waiting for notification that the system has been rebooted can delay the client's care and compromise safety. The nurse should report the problem as soon as possible and use alternative methods of documentation.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because identifying information as late entry in the record is a secondary action that should be done after the system is restored. The nurse should prioritize resolving the technical issue and ensuring continuity of care.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because notifying information services department of the situation is the first action that the nurse should take to alert the experts who can troubleshoot and fix the problem. The nurse should also follow the facility's policy and procedure for documenting in a downtime situation.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because printing electronic medical record (EMR) from backup server may not be feasible or accessible depending on the extent of the system failure. The nurse should use paper forms or charts as a temporary measure until the system is back online.

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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

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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