A preterm infant in the NICU is receiving oxygen,and the nurse notes that the oxygen saturation is 98%.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) Call respiratory therapy to draw an arterial blood gas.
B) Document the findings and continue to monitor.
C) Lower the infant's oxygen concentration and reassess.
D) See if the infant can tolerate more stimulation and activity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Preterm infants receiving oxygen should only receive the amount of oxygen needed to maintain an oxygen saturation of greater than 92%,due to the risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Because this baby's O₂ saturation is well above this reading,the nurse can try to reduce the flow and reassess.ABGs are not warranted.The nurse should document the findings,but further action is needed.Assessing activity tolerance is an ongoing assessment and is not related to preventing ROP.

A Preterm Infant in the NICU Is Receiving Oxygen,and the Nurse