While caring for a patient who has been admitted with a pulmonary embolism,the nurse notes a change in the patient's oxygen saturation (SpO?)from 94% to 88%. Which action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing O₂ flow rate will usually improve O₂ saturation in patients with ventilation-perfusion mismatch,as occurs with pulmonary embolism. Because the problem is with perfusion,actions that improve ventilation,such as deep breathing and coughing,sitting upright,and suctioning,are not likely to improve oxygenation.

While Caring for a Patient Who Has Been Admitted with a Pulmonary