Final answer:
A nurse should respond to a patient with an 87% oxygen reading by verifying the reading, increasing oxygen delivery via a nasal cannula or face mask, and monitoring for improvement. If no improvement occurs, further medical assessment and intervention may be required.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with an oxygen saturation reading of 87% on room air is showing signs of hypoxemia, which requires immediate intervention. A nurse should first verify the reading for accuracy, as various factors can affect pulse oximeter accuracy. If the reading is accurate, the nurse should then increase the patient's oxygen delivery, typically starting with nasal cannula or a face mask, and monitor for improvement.
If there is no improvement or if the patient's condition worsens, further medical intervention and assessment may be needed, such as contacting a physician for additional orders or preparing for more advanced airway management techniques. It's important to recognize that oxygen saturation below 90% may lead to tissue hypoxia and potential organ damage. Therefore, the patient should be closely monitored and reassessed regularly to ensure the efficacy of the oxygen therapy and to check for any potential complications.