A postoperative client with emphysema is receiving oxygen at 2L/min via nasal cannula when he/she complains of feeling dyspneic. The spouse asks the nurse to increase the oxygen intake to help him/her breathe easier. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explain to the spouse that a high concentration of oxygen may depress breathing. Carbon dioxide is one of the primary stimuli for breathing in clients with chronic obstructive lung disease, who adjust to higher than normal carbon dioxide levels. Abrupt elevation of the level will depress the stimulus oxygen for breathing and can even produce respiratory arrest.

A Postoperative Client with Emphysema Is Receiving Oxygen at 2L/min