A patient with an ischemic stroke has an oxygen saturation of 88%. What should be done to help this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Positioning the patient on one side does not improve O₂ saturation. 2. Raising the head of the bed assists in keeping the airway open as well as facilitating lung expansion to prevent atelectasis but will not improve oxygen saturation. 3. Low-dose oxygen does not provide adequate supplementation to maintain oxygen saturation, especially when it falls below 90%. It is helpful as an adjunct, when the saturation is 90%, in order to raise saturation to more appropriate levels. 4. High-flow oxygen therapy is indicated when arterial blood gases or O₂ saturation is less than 92%. Hypoventilation may cause an elevation in carbon dioxide, which could lead to cerebral vasodilation and further increase ICP.

A Patient with an Ischemic Stroke Has an Oxygen Saturation