Question

A client is using oxygen. You enter the room and notice that he has turned the flow meter up all the way. You should:

A. turn the unit down at once.
B. notify the nurse in charge.
C. tell the client to leave the unit alone.
D. pretend you didn't notice the change in flow rate.

Answer 1

In the scenario where a client has inappropriately turned up their oxygen flow meter, the correct action is to immediately notify the nurse in charge. Personal adjustments to medical equipment without guidance can be harmful and professional medical assessment is necessary to ensure patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you enter a room and notice that a client using oxygen has turned the flow meter up all the way, the appropriate action to take would be to notify the nurse in charge immediately. Oxygen administration should always be managed according to the healthcare provider's instructions, and any adjustments made by the patient without guidance can potentially be harmful. Adjusting the oxygen flow rate without proper medical directive can result in oxygen toxicity or other complications for the patient. Therefore, it is not advised to adjust the flow meter on your own or to ignore the situation.

After you have notified the nurse, the nurse can assess the client’s condition, determine the appropriate flow rate, and educate the client on the importance of not altering the prescribed settings. Dealing with such situations requires a professional approach to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.