A client was medicated with intravenous morphine 2 mg 2 hours ago to relieve moderate abdominal pain after appendectomy. The client becomes lethargic but arouses easily to verbal and tactile stimuli, and is oriented to time, place, and person. The pulse oximeter reading has dropped from 99% to 89% on room air. Which oxygen delivery device is the most appropriate for the nurse to apply?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nasal cannula is the most appropriate oxygen delivery device to apply at this time because it is comfortable, used for the short term, inexpensive, and permits the client to eat and drinkfluids. It can supply adequate oxygen concentrations of up to 44%. This client is most likely hypoventilating as a result of the opioid medication. The client is alert and oriented and able to follow directions. Because pain relief is effective according to the pain scale, the client should be able to breathe deeply through the nose, and the hypoxemia should reverse rapidly. (Option B) The non-rebreather mask is used in emergencies, delivers high concentrations of oxygen (up to 90%-95%), requires a tight face seal, and is restrictive and uncomfortable. (Option C) The simple face mask delivers a higher concentration of oxygen (40%-60%), is more uncomfortable and restrictive, must be removed to eat or drink, and is not appropriate at this time. It can be used if hypoxemia does not resolve. (Option D) The Venturi mask is a more expensive device used to deliver a guaranteed oxygen concentration to clients with unstable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These clients cannot tolerate changes in oxygen concentration. Educational objective: The nasal cannula is an inexpensive, comfortable, low-flow oxygen delivery device capable of delivering oxygen concentrations of up to 44%. It can be used in the short term in responsive postoperative clients to treat hypoventilation and reverse hypoxemia effectively.

A Client Was Medicated with Intravenous Morphine 2 Mg 2