A client with chronic respiratory acidosis is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula at 6 L/min.The client's respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min.Which action by the nurse is the priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary trigger for respiration in a client with chronic respiratory acidosis is a decreased arterial oxygen level (hypoxic drive).Oxygen therapy can inhibit respiratory efforts in this case,eventually causing respiratory arrest and death.The nurse could decrease the oxygen flow rate; eventually,this might improve the client's respiratory rate,but the priority action would be to call the Rapid Response Team whenever a client with chronic carbon dioxide retention has a respiratory rate less than 10.Changing the cannula to a mask does nothing to improve the client's hypoxic drive,nor would it address the client's most pressing need.Positioning will not help the client breathe at a normal rate nor maintain client safety.

A Client with Chronic Respiratory Acidosis Is Receiving Oxygen by Nasal