Question

The nurse is performing closed inline suctioning. Pre-procedure assessment indicated crackles and wheezes bilaterally, pulse rate 72, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, and pulse oximetry 89%. Which of the following indicates the nurse should stop suctioning and administer oxygen?

A) The patient's respiratory rate remains unchanged.
B) The patient's pulse oximetry increases to 94%.
C) Thick clear sputum is obtained during suctioning.
D) The patient's pulse increases to 114 beats per minute.

Answer 1

The nurse should stop suctioning and administer oxygen if the patient's pulse oximetry is 89%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should stop suctioning and administer oxygen if the patient's pulse oximetry is 89%.

Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method of measuring oxygen saturation in the blood. A normal pulse oximetry level is usually 95% or higher. An oximetry level of 89% indicates hypoxemia, which is a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood.

In this case, the patient already has crackles and wheezes bilaterally, and a low pulse oximetry level indicates that their condition is worsening and they need supplemental oxygen.