Study 1 Oxygenation Assessment and Nursing Interventions with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What can drowsiness and a “silent chest” signal during a severe asthma attack?
A drowsy patient with severe asthma and a newly barely audible “silent chest” may have critically limited airflow. Treat this as an emergency and escalate immediately.
What is the first response to worsening hypoxemia in a patient with COPD?
Assess breathing and equipment, promptly escalate worsening hypoxemia, and adjust oxygen according to the prescription or protocol. Do not wait for a routine recheck.
What should you check when a pulse-oximeter reading seems unreliable?
Check probe position and signal, reduce motion, and address a cold or poorly perfused hand if possible.
Why should SpO₂ not be interpreted on its own?
Pulse oximetry estimates oxygen saturation; interpret it alongside symptoms, respiratory effort, and the broader clinical picture.
How should you respond to new confusion, rapid breathing, and falling SpO₂ in pneumonia?
Promptly reassess respiratory status and vital signs, support oxygenation according to protocol, and escalate the acute change.
Which sudden symptom pattern may indicate pulmonary embolism?
Sudden unexplained breathlessness, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and light-headedness may indicate a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Which gas-exchange problems can occur in respiratory failure?
Respiratory failure may involve low blood oxygen, high carbon dioxide, or both.
What initial nursing actions can help a conscious patient with dyspnea?
Position the patient upright if tolerated, stay with them, assess breathing and oxygenation, and provide prescribed or protocol-directed support.
What should a comprehensive reassessment after dyspnea treatment include?
Reassess respiratory rate and effort, ability to speak, mental status, breath sounds, vital signs, SpO₂ trend, and response to treatment.
Should oxygen be withheld from a hypoxemic patient with COPD?
Do not withhold oxygen from a hypoxemic patient. Use the prescribed or protocol-directed approach and an individualized target.
What oxygen saturation target is often used for adults with COPD in acute care?
For many adults with COPD requiring oxygen during acute care, the recommended target is 88–92%; individualize the target to the patient.
Which factors can affect pulse-oximeter readings?
Poor circulation, skin temperature, skin pigmentation, motion, and nail polish can affect pulse-oximeter readings.
A medium-difficulty quiz on applying person-centred principles of fundamental care, including dignity, choice, safety, independence, infection prevention, and observation.
A 14-question quiz on coordinating care, supporting safe transitions, and maintaining continuity across providers and settings.
A medium-difficulty quiz on generating plausible hypotheses, comparing urgency and risk, explaining priorities, and revising them as patient cues change.
Learn how to develop plausible explanations from clinical cues, rank problems by urgency and risk, and revise priorities as a patient's condition changes.
Review how to assess patients, recognize changes, respond to pain, and communicate findings clearly.
Learn how to verify a patient’s identity safely before care, what to do when information does not match, and how to proceed when a patient cannot confirm their identity.
Learn how to compare plausible explanations for a client’s findings and prioritize the concern that poses the greatest immediate risk.
Learn how to provide respectful, individualized assistance with daily activities while supporting safety, comfort, independence, and early recognition of changes.
A medium-difficulty quiz on setting measurable patient goals and selecting, implementing, and evaluating interventions that address the priority problem.
Learn how to support safe, comfortable, and independent toileting, provide elimination and skin care, and recognize changes that require reporting or urgent attention.
Learn how to implement safe, prioritized nursing interventions, respond to deterioration, communicate concerns, and reassess patient outcomes.
Practice applying the NGN clinical judgment steps, using common item formats, and interpreting client changes.