Introduction
Introduction ( 5 Questions)
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed long-term oxygen therapy. What is the most important nursing consideration for this client?
Assessing for signs of oxygen toxicity is important but is not specific to clients with COPD.
Monitoring the client's carbon dioxide levels Explanation: Clients with COPD have a chronic retention of carbon dioxide, so monitoring carbon dioxide levels is essential to prevent the development of respiratory acidosis while providing long-term oxygen therapy.
Proper humidification of oxygen is beneficial but does not take precedence over monitoring carbon dioxide levels in clients with COPD.
Ensuring an adequate supply of oxygen is a general consideration for all clients receiving oxygen therapy and is not specific to clients with COPD.
Answer: b. Monitoring the client's carbon dioxide levels
Explanation: Clients with COPD have a chronic retention of carbon dioxide, so monitoring carbon dioxide levels is essential to prevent the development of respiratory acidosis while providing long-term oxygen therapy.
Incorrect choices:
a. Assessing for signs of oxygen toxicity is important but is not specific to clients with COPD.
c. Proper humidification of oxygen is beneficial but does not take precedence over monitoring carbon dioxide levels in clients with COPD.
d.Ensuring an adequate supply of oxygen is a general consideration for all clients receiving oxygen therapy and is not specific to clients with COPD.