Question

You are called for an alert patient with respiratory distress. As part of your primary​ assessment, you place the patient on oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute. You continue with the rest of your assessment including taking a set of vital signs. During your​ reassessment, you notice that the​ patient's respiratory rate has increased to 24 times per minute and he is having increasing trouble breathing. You​ should:

A. assist the​ patient's breathing with a​ bag-valve mask.
B. call medical direction for orders to administer his inhaler.
C. increase the flow rate of the nasal cannula to 4 liters per minute.
D. switch your patient to a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute.

Answer 1

When a patient with respiratory distress experiences an increased respiratory rate and worsening symptoms, the best course of action is to switch to a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute to provide a higher concentration of oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

You are called for an alert patient with respiratory distress. As part of your primary​ assessment, you place the patient on oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute. You continue with the rest of your assessment including taking a set of vital signs. During your​ reassessment, you notice that the​ patient's respiratory rate has increased to 24 times per minute and he is having increasing trouble breathing. You​ should:

D. switch your patient to a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute.

The patient's increased respiratory rate indicates that their breathing is becoming more labored, and they are likely not getting sufficient oxygen with the current intervention. A nasal cannula provides limited oxygen, and an increased work of breathing necessitates a more aggressive approach. A nonrebreather mask can deliver a higher concentration of oxygen, which is often required in cases of significant respiratory distress to maintain adequate alveolar ventilation and prevent carbon dioxide buildup.