The nurse notes that the patient's arterial blood gas levels indicate hypoxemia. The patient is not intubated and has a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min. The nurse's first intervention to relieve hypoxemia is to:
a. call the physician for an emergency intubation procedure.
b. obtain an order for bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).
c. notify the provider of values and obtain order for oxygen.
d. suction secretions from the oropharynx.
C
Oxygen is administered to treat or prevent hypoxemia. Oxygen should be considered a first-line treatment in cases of hypoxemia. Emergency intubation is not warranted at this time. BiPAP may be considered if administration of supplemental oxygen does not correct the hypoxemia. There is no indication that the patient requires suctioning.
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