You have been called to a long-term nursing care facility for a 77-year-old female patient with Parkinson's disease. According to the nursing staff, she is more confused than normal and is to be transported to the emergency department for evaluation. Since the patient neither understands nor can answer any of your questions, which one of the following signs provides the best evidence that her breathing is adequate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pulse oximeter reading provides the best evidence that the patient's breathing is adequate because it measures the oxygen saturation in the blood, which is a direct reflection of how well the lungs are functioning. A respiratory rate of 18, clear breath sounds, and a strong radial pulse are important indicators of respiratory function, but they do not provide as direct of an assessment as the pulse oximeter reading.

You Have Been Called to a Long-Term Nursing Care Facility