Question

The physician has ordered O2 at 3 liters/minute via nasal cannula. O2 amounts greater than 3 liters / minute are contraindicated in the client with COPD because:

a) Higher concentrations result in severe headache
b) Hypercapnic drive is necessary for breathing
c) Higher levels will be required later to raise the pO2
d) Hypoxic drive is needed for breathing

Answer 1

Oxygen amounts greater than 3 liters/minute are contraindicated in clients with COPD because hypoxic drive is needed for breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxygen amounts greater than 3 liters/minute are contraindicated in clients with COPD because hypoxic drive is needed for breathing. In COPD, the body becomes accustomed to high levels of carbon dioxide. The respiratory drive in these individuals is primarily stimulated by low levels of oxygen, rather than high levels of carbon dioxide. Giving a high concentration of oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive and cause respiratory depression. Therefore, it is important to monitor and adjust oxygen therapy carefully in patients with COPD.