A patient's mixed venous oxygen saturation level is 56%. The nurse realizes that this finding reflects which of the following?
1. the cells are taking more oxygen to meet needs
2. the cells are releasing more carbon dioxide
3. there isn't enough oxyhemoglobin to meet the patient's needs
4. the cells are not receiving enough oxygen
4
Rationale: Venous blood from all body systems is considered "mixed" when it has reached the pulmonary artery. Normal mixed venous oxygen saturation is 60 to 80 percent. If the oxygen delivery to tissues is adequate for tissue demands, oxygen saturation of the blood in the pulmonary artery will be 60 to 80 percent. A low mixed venous oxygen saturation level means that less oxygen is returning to the right heart and the cells are not getting enough oxygen to meet their needs. The level of 56% does not mean that the cells are taking more oxygen to meet needs or that the cells are releasing more carbon dioxide. There is not enough information to determine if there is a lack of oxyhemoglobin to meet the patient's needs.
You might also like to view...
A young woman being admitted to the clinic service states that all the members of her family have been hard of hearing. She says her hearing loss became more pronounced when she was pregnant. What term explains this type of hearing loss?
a. Otosclerosis b. Ototoxicity c. Otalgia d. Otitis media
In working with parents of children with chronic diseases, the nurse is concerned with helping the parents to protect themselves from compassion fatigue. Which activities are appropriate for the nurse to encourage?
1. Sleeping more than 9 hours per 24-hour period 2. Exercising 3. Fostering social relationships 4. Developing a hobby 5. Moving away
A community health nurse is enacting policy development by preparing a presentation for a group of state health officials about the issue of water pollution in the United States. Which of the following would the nurse include? Select all that apply
A) Globally, the availability of clean water is becoming a very serious threat to human survival. B) Water pollutants consist solely of chemicals. C) Recently, there has been an increase in the concern about pharmaceuticals contaminating water supplies. D) All water that is to be consumed is regulated through the EPA. E) The people most vulnerable to serious health problems are the very young, the very old, and the immune-compromised.
A 47-year-old male has been admitted to the hospital after being found unconscious in a park. Upon regaining consciousness, he admits to heavy alcohol use over many years
Assessment reveals a low body mass index, low electrolyte levels, and impaired skin integrity. Vital signs are within normal ranges. What nursing diagnosis should be prioritized in the care of this client? A) Risk for injury related to chronic alcohol intake B) Deficient knowledge regarding the effects of alcohol intake C) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to chronic alcohol intake D) Ineffective coping related to effects of chemical use