Vital Signs Measurement > Fundamentals
Exam Review
Oxygen saturation Measurement
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is assessing a client's oxygen saturation level. What is the most common method used to measure oxygen saturation?
Explanation
Answer: c. Pulse oximetry
Explanation: Pulse oximetry is the most common method used to measure oxygen saturation noninvasively. It involves using a pulse oximeter, which uses light to measure the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood.
a. Arterial blood gas analysis provides more comprehensive information about the client's oxygenation status but is an invasive procedure that requires drawing arterial blood.
b. Capnography monitoring measures the level of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath and does not directly measure oxygen saturation.
d. Spirometry testing measures lung function, such as lung volume and airflow, but does not directly measure oxygen saturation.
A nurse is assessing a client's oxygen saturation and obtains a reading of 85%. What action should the nurse take?
Explanation
Answer: c. Initiate oxygen therapy.
Explanation: An oxygen saturation reading of 85% indicates hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). The nurse should initiate oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation and ensure adequate oxygen supply to the tissues.
a. Documenting the oxygen saturation as normal would be incorrect, as it indicates hypoxemia.
b. Rechecking the oxygen saturation in 15 minutes may delay appropriate intervention if the client's oxygenation remains low.
d. Instructing the client to take deep breaths does not address the underlying issue of hypoxemia and may not be sufficient to improve oxygenation.
A nurse is assessing a client's oxygen saturation and obtains a reading of 98%. What does this reading indicate?
Explanation
Answer: b. Hyperoxia
Explanation: An oxygen saturation reading of 98% indicates a high level of blood oxygen saturation, which is referred to as hyperoxia. It means the client has a sufficient supply of oxygen in their blood.
a. Hypoxemia refers to low blood oxygen levels, which is not the case with a reading of 98%.
c. Hypocapnia refers to low carbon dioxide levels, which is not related to oxygen saturation.
d. Hypercapnia refers to high carbon dioxide levels, which is not related to oxygen saturation.
A nurse is assessing a client's oxygen saturation and obtains a reading of 92%. What action should the nurse take?
Explanation
Answer: c. Initiate supplemental oxygen therapy.
Explanation: An oxygen saturation reading of 92% indicates mild hypoxemia. The nurse should initiate supplemental oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation and ensure adequate oxygen supply to the tissues.
a. Documenting the oxygen saturation as normal would be incorrect, as it indicates mild hypoxemia.
b. Rechecking the oxygen saturation in 30 minutes may delay appropriate intervention if the client's oxygenation remains low.
d. Instructing the client to perform deep breathing exercises does not address the underlying issue of hypoxemia and may not be sufficient to improve oxygenation.
A nurse is assessing a client's oxygen saturation and obtains a reading of 100%. What does this reading indicate?
Explanation
Answer: b. Hyperoxia
Explanation: An oxygen saturation reading of 100% indicates a high level of blood oxygen saturation, which is referred to as hyperoxia. It means the client has a sufficient supply of oxygen in their blood.
a. Hypoxemia refers to low blood oxygen levels, which is not the case with a reading of 100%.
c. Hypocapnia refers to low carbon dioxide levels, which is not related to oxygen saturation.
d. Hypercapnia refers to high carbon dioxide levels, which is not related to oxygen saturation.
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