The nurse is caring for a homeless client brought to the emergency department with possible hypothermia.The nurse places the pulse oximeter probe on the client's finger and gets a reading of 38%.The client's respiratory rate is 22 breaths per minute,breath sounds are clear and equal,color is pale pink,and the client denies any history of respiratory distress.Which is the priority action by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority action is to move the pulse oximetry sensor to the ear or nose because the low reading of 38% is likely inaccurate due to the client's hypothermia, which can cause peripheral vasoconstriction and affect the accuracy of readings from extremities.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Homeless Client Brought to the Emergency