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%.The albuterol treatment provides no relief.What is the next best action by the RN?
A)Increase the oxygen concentration and recheck the saturation after 10 minutes.
B)Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
C)Notify the health care provider.
D)Call the patient's wife to have her sit with him to calm him.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the oxygen concentration will provide more oxygen to the tissues, but the saturation should be rechecked to determine effect.Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is appropriate as the next action but not before increasing the oxygen concentration.Notifying the health care provider is an appropriate step after answers A and B are instituted.Calling the patient's wife is not a priority.

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