The nurse is working on a pulmonary unit at the local hospital. The nurse is alert to which of the following as being an early sign of hypoxia?
a. Cyanosis
b. Restlessness
c. A decreased respiratory rate
d. A decreased blood pressure
B
Mental status changes are often the first signs of respiratory problems and may include restless-ness and inability to concentrate.
Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxia.
A decreased respiratory rate is not an early sign of hypoxia. The respiratory rate will increase as the body attempts to compensate for the decreased level of oxygen. As the hypoxia worsens, the respiratory rate may decline.
During early stages of hypoxia, the blood pressure is elevated unless the condition is caused by shock.
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