A client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a pulse oximetry reading of 93%, increased red blood and white blood cell count, temperature of 101 °F, pulse 100 bpm, respirations 35 bpm, and a chest x-ray that showed a flattened

Question

Based on this data, which prescription does the nurse question for this client?
A) Antibiotic therapy
B) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
C) Oxygen by nasal cannula at 3-4 liters/minute
D) Bronchodilators such as an adrenergic stimulating drugs or anticholinergic agents

Answer 1

Answer: C

The nurse should be concerned about the order for oxygen to be provided at 3-4 liters/minute. This amount of oxygen is too much for a client with COPD because the client's breaths are stimulated by a hypoxic drive and this disease process causes the body to retain carbon dioxide. Providing this much oxygen can result in an increase in carbon dioxide levels, leading to respiratory failure. Oxygen for this client should be at a lower rate, such as 1-2 liters/minute, with close assessments of the client's breathing status. The order for antibiotic therapy is expected, as the client is febrile with an increase in white blood cells. Bronchodilators will keep the alveoli open and increase exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide more effectively and would be expected for this client. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are commonly ordered to decrease the inflammation and swelling of lung tissues to maximize oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange and to improve symptoms, and would be expected for this client.