The nurse assesses arterial blood gas results from the 88-year-old patient who receives oxygen at 3 L/min by nasal cannula. The PaO2 at 8 AM was 84 mm Hg, and at 10 AM it was 82 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Collaborate with the provider to use an oxygen mask.
b. Plan follow-up nursing care for patient hypoxemia.
c. Request that the laboratory confirm the patient's results.
d. Continue with the current therapy and nursing care.
D
The nurse continues with the current therapy and nursing care because the difference between oxygen values is insignificant, probably representing a normal variation in patient PaO2 occurring from minute to minute. The nurse continues to monitor the patient closely because the PaO2 is approaching the lower limit for an acceptable arterial blood oxygen tension. Collaborating for a mask is unnecessary because the patient's PaO2 is within normal limits. The patient's oxygen tension is at the lower acceptable range for arterial blood.
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A patient admitted to the telemetry unit with heart failure is exhibiting signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema. The nurse is aware that positioning will promote circulation. The nurse will position the patient:
A) In an upright position in bed or with the legs dangling over the side of the bed B) On his left side in a supine position C) In a supine position on his back D) In a Trendelenburg position
A patient has had a renal stent removed. What should be included in the care of this patient?
1. monitoring urine output 2. encouraging ambulation 3. ensuring adequate protein intake 4. monitoring blood pressure
Parents of a child with cystic fibrosis ask the nurse about genetic implications of the disorder. Which statement, made by the nurse, expresses accurately the genetic implications?
a. If it is present in a child, both parents are carriers of this defective gene. b. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. c. It is a genetic defect found primarily in non-Caucasian population groups. d. There is a 50% chance that siblings of an affected child also will be affected.
When applying a transdermal patch, always remove the old patch before applying a new one to
A. ensure a continuous delivery of medication. B. maintain therapeutic levels of medication in the bloodstream. C. prevent skin irritation from the adhesive. D. prevent a possible overdose.