Practice Question
A client has a PRN prescription for a nasal cannula at 2 to 3 L/minute. The client is wearing a nasal cannula at 2 L/minute and asks the practical nurse (PN) if it can be removed. Which client data is most important for the PN to obtain before responding to the client?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Oxygen saturation.
Rationale:
🔵 Oxygen saturation provides a direct measurement of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and the client’s current oxygenation status. Before discontinuing supplemental oxygen, the PN must assess whether the client can maintain adequate oxygen levels without support.
🔵 Clients receiving oxygen via nasal cannula often have PRN orders, meaning oxygen use depends on clinical need. The saturation level (typically measured via pulse oximetry) helps determine if it's safe to reduce or remove oxygen.
🔵 A value of ≥ 95% on room air is generally considered acceptable in most clients. If the level is borderline or low, oxygen removal could result in hypoxia.
🔵 While other vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and breath sounds offer useful information, they do not specifically assess oxygenation and cannot replace pulse oximetry for this decision.
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This question is from Hesi Specialiaty-LPN Med Surg Exam. which contains 57 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN HESI Exams
- Domain: Med-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4