The nurse assesses a patient admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. The patient's pulse oximetry reads 77%. After repositioning the patient and increasing oxygen per the healthcare provider's order, there is no change in the pulse oximeter reading. Which is the priority action for the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An arterial blood gas analysis is the priority action to accurately assess the patient's oxygenation status and guide further treatment, especially since the pulse oximetry reading remains critically low despite interventions.

The Nurse Assesses a Patient Admitted to the Hospital for Treatment