The patient is being admitted to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath.The patient has had chronic lung disease for many years but still smokes.What should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because low levels of arterial O₂ provide the stimulus that allows the patient to breathe,administration of high oxygen levels would be fatal for patients with chronic lung disease.Oxygen must be used cautiously in these types of patients.Patients with chronic lung disease have ongoing hypercarbia (elevated CO₂ levels)and do not need to have CO₂ administered or "rebreathed."

The Patient Is Being Admitted to the Emergency Department with Complaints