A patient is receiving thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of pulmonary emboli. What is the best way for the nurse to assess the patient's oxygenation status at the bedside?
A) Obtain serial ABG samples.
B) Monitor pulse oximetry readings.
C) Test pulmonary function.
D) Monitor incentive spirometry volumes.
Ans: B
Feedback:
The nurse assesses the patient with pulmonary emboli frequently for signs of hypoxemia and monitors the pulse oximetry values to evaluate the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy. ABGs are accurate indicators of oxygenation status, but are not analyzed at the bedside. PFTs and incentive spirometry volumes do not accurately reveal oxygenation status.
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