A 40-year-old postoperative patient has a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL and a SaO2 of 95 percent. Considering all aspects, the nurse concludes that the patient
1. has a potential risk of hypoxia.
2. is stable and at no risk.
3. has an elevated SaO2 for their age.
4. is adequately being oxygenated and at no risk for hypoxia.
1
Rationale: The patient has a potential risk for hypoxia because SaO2 is the measure of percentage of oxygen combined with hemoglobin compared to the total amount it could carry. Although the patient's SaO2 is within normal range, the hemoglobin is only 8 g/dL, indicating that all 8 grams are adequately being saturated. Should the patient's oxygen demand increase, as it frequently will in a postoperative patient, the potential for hypoxia may exist because of the lower hemoglobin and inability to carry more oxygen to meet the demand.
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