A patient with chronic hypoxemia ( SaO₂ levels of 89% to 90% ) caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) has been hospitalized with increasing shortness of breath. In planning for discharge, which of these actions by the nurse will be most effective in improving compliance with discharge teaching?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypoxemia interferes with the patient's ability to learn and retain information, so having the patient's spouse present will increase the likelihood that discharge instructions will be followed. Having the patient repeat the instructions will indicate that the information is understood at the time, but it does not guarantee retention of the information. Because the patient is likely to be distracted just before discharge, giving discharge instructions just before discharge is not ideal. The patient is likely to be anxious and even more hypoxemic than usual on the day of admission, so teaching about discharge should be postponed.

A Patient with Chronic Hypoxemia ( SaO2 Levels of 89

A Patient with Chronic Hypoxemia ( SaO₂ Levels of 89