An infant at 26 weeks of gestation arrives intubated from the delivery room.The nurse weighs the infant,places him under the radiant warmer,and attaches him to the ventilator at the prescribed settings.A pulse oximeter and cardiorespiratory monitor are placed.The pulse oximeter is recording oxygen saturations of 80%.The prescribed saturations are 92%.What is the nurse's most appropriate action at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse's most appropriate action is to listen to breath sounds, ensure the patency of the endotracheal tube, increase oxygen, and notify a physician. Oxygen saturation of 80% is considered low and can lead to hypoxia and tissue damage, especially in a premature infant. The nurse should take immediate action to address the low oxygen saturation to ensure the infant's safety and well-being. Observing and making no changes or continuing with the admission process is not appropriate when the infant is experiencing hypoxia. Notifying the parents at this point is not necessary and should be left to the physician.

An Infant at 26 Weeks of Gestation Arrives Intubated from the Delivery