The nurse assesses arterial blood gas results from the 88-year-old patient who receives oxygen at 3 L/min by nasal cannula.The PaO₂ at 8 AM was 84 mm Hg,and at 10 AM it was 82 mm Hg.Which action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse continues with the current therapy and nursing care because the difference between oxygen values is insignificant,probably representing a normal variation in patient PaO₂occurring from minute to minute.The nurse continues to monitor the patient closely because the PaO₂ is approaching the lower limit for an acceptable arterial blood oxygen tension.Collaborating for a mask is unnecessary because the patient's PaO₂ is within normal limits.The patient's oxygen tension is at the lower acceptable range for arterial blood.

The Nurse Assesses Arterial Blood Gas Results from the 88-Year-Old