Question

The client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has severe hypercapnia, hypoxemia, lethargy, and cyanotic nail beds. Which treatment should the nurse expect to be ordered?

1) Percussion and postural drainage
2) Endotracheal intubation
3) Respiratory treatment with bronchodilators
4) High flow oxygen administration

Answer 1

The nurse should expect the treatment of high flow oxygen administration to be ordered for the client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has severe hypercapnia, hypoxemia, lethargy, and cyanotic nail beds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should expect the treatment of high flow oxygen administration to be ordered for the client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has severe hypercapnia, hypoxemia, lethargy, and cyanotic nail beds. High flow oxygen administration helps improve oxygen levels in the blood and relieve the symptoms of hypoxemia and cyanosis. It can also help alleviate lethargy caused by poor oxygenation.