The nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a pulmonary embolism and notes a change in the client's oxygen saturation (SpO₂) from 94% to 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing oxygen flow rate usually will improve oxygen saturation in clients 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.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Been