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A client recovering from ARDS is awake and alert but has residual fatigue and generalized weakness. The client's current vital signs are heart rate 83 beats per minute, blood pressure 104/64 mm Hg, respiratory rate 25 breaths/min, SpO2 is 92% on 2 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula. Which vital sign finding should the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) immediately report to the nurse?

A. Heart rate of 83 beats per minute
B. Blood pressure of 104/64 mm Hg
C. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute
D. SpO2 92% of 2 L/min O2 via nasal cannula

User MKaama
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Final answer:

C. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute The UAP should immediately report the respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute to the nurse, as it is significantly higher than the normal range and indicates potential respiratory distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vital sign the UAP should immediately report to the nurse is C. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute.The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-15 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 25 breaths per minute is elevated and could be a sign of respiratory distress or inadequate oxygenation, which may require medical intervention, especially in a patient recovering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). While the SpO2 of 92% on 2 L/min oxygen is below the normal range of 95-100%, it is not critically low. However, given the patient's history and the elevated respiratory rate, the combination of these findings should be addressed by the medical staff promptly to assess for potential deterioration in the patient's respiratory status.

The vital sign finding that the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) should immediately report to the nurse is the SpO2 of 92% on 2 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula. This indicates that the client is not receiving enough oxygen and may be experiencing hypoxia.The SpO2 level of 92% indicates that the client's blood oxygen saturation is below the normal range of 95%-100%. This can be a concerning finding for a client recovering from ARDS, as it may indicate inadequate oxygenation. The nurse should be notified so that appropriate interventions, such as increasing the oxygen flow rate or considering alternative oxygen delivery methods, can be implemented.

User Guilherme Chiara
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