The nurse is caring for a 33-year-old patient who arrived in the emergency department with acute respiratory distress. Which assessment finding by the nurse requires the most rapid action?
a. The patient's PaO2 is 45 mm Hg.
b. The patient's PaCO2 is 33 mm Hg.
c. The patient's respirations are shallow.
d. The patient's respiratory rate is 32 breaths/minute.
ANS: A
The PaO2 indicates severe hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Rapid action is needed to prevent further deterioration of the patient. Although the shallow breathing, rapid respiratory rate, and low PaCO2 also need to be addressed, the most urgent problem is the patient's poor oxygenation.
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