Question

If your patient is breathing adequately but with difficulty and the pulse oximeter reads 84​ percent, you​ should:

Answer 1

A pulse oximeter reading of 84 percent indicates hypoxemia and requires medical attention, such as supplemental oxygen and close monitoring.

Step-by-step explanation:

If your patient is breathing adequately but with difficulty and the pulse oximeter reads 84 percent, you should not ignore this reading. A pulse oximeter measures the percent saturation of oxygen in the blood, with normal readings typically ranging from 95-100 percent. A reading of 84 percent indicates hypoxemia, which is a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood. This situation requires medical attention and intervention. Possible actions could include providing supplementary oxygen, monitoring the patient closely, reassessing lung sounds and work of breathing, and preparing for possible escalation of care if the patient's condition worsens.