A patient admitted with an elevated ST-segment myocardial infarction on oxygen per nasal cannula for his diagnosed influenza is complaining of shortness of breath with an oxygen saturation of 88%.Which action by the RN is best?
A)Increase the oxygen concentration.
B)Ask respiratory therapy to administer an albuterol treatment.
C)Notify the health care provider.
D)Determine if anxiety could be causing the shortness of breath.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory therapist should administer a bronchodilator as the first action to assess the patient's response before determining the next action.Increasing the oxygen concentration should be delayed until assessing any change after the bronchodilator administration.Notifying the health care provider should be delayed until assessing any change after the bronchodilator administration.Determining if anxiety could be causing the shortness of breath is probably not responsible for the change in condition.

A Patient Admitted with an Elevated ST-Segment Myocardial Infarction on Oxygen