Question

While ambulating a patient with metastatic lung cancer, the nurse observes a drop in oxygen saturation from 93% to 86%. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

A) Apply a non-rebreather mask at 100%.
B) Administer a sedative to calm the patient.
C) Assist the patient to sit and rest immediately.
D) Recheck the saturation reading with a different monitor.

Answer 1

The most appropriate nursing action for a lung cancer patient with a significant drop in oxygen saturation during ambulation is to assist them to sit and rest immediately, monitor them, and consider supplementary oxygen or further medical intervention as needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient with metastatic lung cancer experiences a drop in oxygen saturation from 93% to 86% while ambulating, the most appropriate nursing action would be to assist the patient to sit and rest immediately. This approach addresses the immediate need for the patient to recover from the likely cause of the desaturation, which could be due to physical exertion. It is important to monitor the patient, provide reassurance, and consider supplementary oxygen if the patient does not recover quickly or as dictated by the patient's care plan. Once stabilized, the oxygen saturation should be reassessed, and further evaluation of the need for increased oxygen support or medical intervention can be considered.