Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter. Assessment findings include a blood pressure of 85/40 mm Hg, heart rate of 125 beats/min, respiratory rate 35 breaths/min, and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 90% on a 50% venturi mask. Hemodynamic values include a cardiac output (CO) of 1.0 L/min, central venous pressure (CVP) of 1 mm Hg, and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 3 mm Hg. The nurse questions which of the following physicians order?

Answer 1

The nurse should question the order for an arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 90% on a 50% venturi mask.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should question the physician's order for the arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 90% on a 50% venturi mask. This order is questionable because an SpO2 of 90% indicates low oxygen levels in the blood, suggesting poor oxygenation. A venturi mask with a 50% oxygen concentration may not provide enough oxygen to improve the patient's oxygen saturation. The nurse should consult the physician to discuss alternative oxygen delivery methods or adjustments to the oxygen concentration.