Final answer:
To assess the client's need for additional oxygen, the nurse should utilize a pulse oximeter on an alternative site such as the earlobe or a finger, due to the client's bilateral below-the-knee amputations and weak pedal pulses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is tasked with assessing a client's oxygen saturation to determine if there is a need for additional oxygen via nasal cannula.
In this scenario, the client has bilateral below-the-knee amputations and is presenting with weak and thready pedal pulses, which can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading if taken from the toes or feet. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method that measures the percent saturation of oxygen in hemoglobin.
A device known as a pulse oximeter is usually placed on a thin part of the body, like the tip of a finger, to conduct this measurement.
Given the client's condition with amputated limbs, the nurse should attach the pulse oximeter to an alternative site such as the earlobe or a finger on the hand, provided the circulation to the hands is intact.
This approach would provide a more reliable reading. Before proceeding, the nurse should ensure that the patient's identity, the surgical site and procedure, and consent are all confirmed and that any known allergies are noted, all of which are vital for patient safety.
It's important not to attach the pulse oximeter to an extremity with poor circulation or one that has been compromised, such as in this case where the pedal pulses are weak and thready.
The nurse should also be aware that pulse oximetry results can be affected by factors such as poor peripheral blood flow, which might be the case here with the weakened pedal pulses.
If necessary, arterial blood gases can be measured to get a direct reading of the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood (pO2), but this is a more invasive procedure.