A client has been brought in by the rescue squad to the emergency department.The client is having an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)and is severely short of breath.On arrival,the client is on 15 L/min of oxygen via rebreather mask.Which action by the nurse takes priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen-induced hypoventilation can occur in clients with chronically elevated PCO₂ levels,such as those seen in COPD.Giving oxygen can eliminate their hypoxic drive to breathe and can cause respiratory arrest.However,hypoxemia is a greater threat to an acutely ill client than is the potential for oxygen-induced hypoventilation,and clients should be given the amount of oxygen they require.The nurse should perform a thorough respiratory assessment and should monitor the client for signs of this problem,rather than automatically reducing oxygen delivery.Blood gases and a chest x-ray will also be obtained,but they do not take priority over assessing and monitoring the client.

A Client Has Been Brought in by the Rescue Squad