Question

What assessment findings might the nurse expect to see in a patient experiencing hypoxia?

1) Decreased oxygen saturation
2) Increased heart rate
3) Shortness of breath
4) Pale or cyanotic skin
5) Confusion or changes in mental status

Answer 1

A nurse can expect to see decreased oxygen saturation, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, pale or cyanotic skin, and confusion or changes in mental status in a patient with hypoxia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient is experiencing hypoxia, a nurse can expect to see a variety of assessment findings. Primarily, one may see a decreased oxygen saturation, typically less than 95% as measured by a pulse oximeter. An increased heart rate, or tachycardia, is often the body's compensatory response to low oxygen levels. Additionally, patients may exhibit shortness of breath due to the body's attempt to take in more oxygen. Observable changes in skin color, such as appearing pale or cyanotic, can occur as the blood oxygen levels drop. Lastly, confusion or changes in mental status may develop due to the reduced oxygen supply to the brain.