A patient admitted with an elevated ST-segment myocardial infarction on oxygen per nasal can-nula for his diagnosed influenza is complaining of shortness of breath with an oxygen saturation of 88%
The albuterol treatment provides no relief. What is the next best action by the RN?
a. Increase the oxygen concentration and recheck the saturation after 10 minutes.
b. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
c. Notify the health care provider.
d. Call the patient's wife to have her sit with him to calm him.
ANS: A
Increasing the oxygen concentration will provide more oxygen to the tissues, but the saturation should be rechecked to determine effect. Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is appropriate as the next ac-tion but not before increasing the oxygen concentration. Notifying the health care provider is an appropriate step after answers A and B are instituted. Calling the patient's wife is not a priority.
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