A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)has arterial blood gases with pH 7.36, PCO₂ 50 mm Hg, and HCO₃ 20 mEq/L.The patient has oxygen by nasal cannula at 2 L/min.Which order should a nurse anticipate for this patient? A)Discontinue oxygen. B)Begin oxygen by facemask. C)Increase oxygen by nasal cannula to 5 L/min. D)Start oxygen with Venturi mask at 28%.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's arterial blood gases indicate respiratory acidosis (elevated PCO2) and compensated metabolic alkalosis (elevated HCO3-), common in chronic COPD patients. The goal is to improve oxygenation without worsening CO2 retention. A Venturi mask at 28% delivers a precise oxygen concentration, which is crucial for COPD patients to avoid oxygen-induced hypercapnia.

A Patient with a History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease