The wife of a patient, with terminal lung cancer and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, has called 911 because her husband's pulse oximeter reading fell below 85% and alarmed. He is currently receiving home oxygen through a nasal cannula. Assessment reveals him to be alert and oriented and slightly tachypneic with no abnormal lung sounds. At this time, your next action would be to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Checking the SpO₂ with your own pulse oximeter is the next logical step to verify the patient's oxygen saturation level, especially since the patient is alert and oriented, and the initial concern was raised by a potentially malfunctioning home device.

The Wife of a Patient, with Terminal Lung Cancer and a Do