Question

An older adult client is visibly pale with a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute. Upon questioning, the client states to the nurse, "I can't seem to catch my breath." The nurse has responded by repositioning the client and measuring the client's oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry, yielding a reading of 90%. The nurse should interpret this oxygen saturation reading in light of the client's:

a. hemoglobin level.
b. age.
c. blood pH.
d. sodium and potassium levels.

Answer 1

The nurse should interpret the client's oxygen saturation level in light of the hemoglobin level, as it indicates the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood which affects how well the tissues are oxygenated.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse observes a client with a pale complexion and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute who expresses difficulty breathing, and a pulse oximetry reading shows an oxygen saturation of 90%, they should consider the hemoglobin level of the patient (option a). The percent saturation of oxygen is a crucial measure of how many hemoglobin sites are occupied by oxygen in the blood. Hemoglobin levels are significant because they indicate the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. If hemoglobin levels are low, the body may not be able to utilize the oxygen efficiently, regardless of the oxygen saturation indicated by the pulse oximeter. This can cause bodily tissues to receive inadequate oxygen, resulting in symptoms like the client's reported difficulty in catching breath.