Question

The patient's wife asks why the nurse turns the oxygen all the way up before suctioning the patient. The nurse's best response is:

A) It is necessary in order to create the pressure needed to make the suction machine work effectively.
B) Because suctioning will remove oxygen, the flow rate is increased to prevent a decrease in oxygen available to tissues.
C) As secretions are removed, they need to be replaced with oxygen.
D) A high concentration of oxygen stimulates the respiratory center so the patient will continue breathing during the suctioning procedure.

Answer 1

The nurse turns the oxygen all the way up before suctioning the patient in order to prevent a decrease in oxygen available to tissues.

Step-by-step explanation:

When suctioning a patient, the nurse turns the oxygen all the way up in order to prevent a decrease in oxygen available to tissues. The increased flow rate compensates for the oxygen that will be removed during suctioning so that the patient's oxygen levels remain stable. This ensures that the patient's tissues continue to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen during the procedure.