Final answer:
A nurse caring for a patient with chronic lung disease must ensure the pulse oximeter functions correctly, be aware of allergies, and monitor oxygen saturation to manage the disease effectively. Tools like pulse oximeters and stethoscopes are essential for assessing and diagnosing conditions affecting gas exchange, such as pneumonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a patient with chronic lung disease who is receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula performs correct actions when ensuring the comfort and safety of the patient. This includes verifying the patient's identity and consent, ensuring the proper functioning of the pulse oximeter, and being aware of any known allergies. Additionally, a nurse might check the patient's blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter to ensure adequate gas exchange, despite potential clogged airways. Abnormal findings such as crepitation, or crackling sounds, and signs of hypoxemia may suggest conditions like pneumonia which can affect gas exchange in the alveoli and result in reduced oxygen saturation.
The pulse oximeter is a crucial tool in monitoring the effectiveness of oxygen therapy in patients with respiratory conditions. It provides real-time feedback on the oxygenation status of the patient, which is essential for appropriate management. Similarly, auscultation, or listening to the sounds of the body, can reveal abnormalities in the lungs and contribute to the diagnostic process. These nursing actions are critical to patient care and the management of chronic lung diseases.