A child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The child's oximetry reading upon admission to the pediatric floor is 88. The priority nursing activity for this child would be to:

Question

1. Obtain a blood sample to send to the lab for electrolyte analysis.
2. Begin oxygen per nasal cannula at 1 liter.
3. Medicate for pain.
4. Begin administration of intravenous fluids.

Answer 1

2
Rationale:
1. Pulse oximetry reading should be 92 or greater. Oxygen by nasal cannula at 1 liter should be started initially. Sending lab specimens can be done once the child's oxygenation status has been addressed.
2. Pulse oximetry reading should be 92 or greater. Oxygen by nasal cannula at 1 liter should be started initially.
3. Pulse oximetry reading should be 92 or greater. Oxygen by nasal cannula at 1 liter should be started initially. Medicating for pain can be done once the child's oxygenation status has been addressed.
4. Pulse oximetry reading should be 92 or greater. Oxygen by nasal cannula at 1 liter should be started initially. Administering IV fluids can be done once the child's oxygenation status has been addressed.