Question

The nurse is caring for a client who has been receiving supplemental oxygen for hypoxia secondary to pneumonia. Which laboratory data suggests that the client's oxygen flow rate can be safely decreased?

A. PaO2 108 mmHg

B. pH 7.39

C. PaCO2 45 mmHg

D. HCO3 24 mEq/liter

Answer 1

The nurse is caring for a client who has been receiving supplemental oxygen for hypoxia secondary to pneumonia. Which laboratory data suggests that the client's oxygen flow rate can be safely decreased

Hypoxia is a medical condition, failure to provide supplemental oxygen or oxygen therapy may lead to complication to patient. All medication require prescription but oxygen can be start without prescription in emergency case. The target for supplementation of oxygen is to so2 level should reach about 92-98%.

Oxygen therapy can stary according to hospital protocol and should asses the risk of hypoventilation. The risk is asses via ABG analysis in which paco2 level is increase due to carbon dioxide retention which may cause respiratory failure in some cases.

Norma value of ABG

pH- 7.35-7.45

paO2- 75 to 100mmhg

paCO2- 35-45mmhg

HCO3- 22-26 mEq/L

For any MCQ type question use a method of elimination and knowledge of ABG interpretation.

A. PaO2 108 mmHg- is a correct answer this lab value suggest that client flow rate need to decrease safely to prevent serious complication or carbon dioxide retention. As the level is higher than the normal.

B. pH 7.39- is incorrect option as pH is under normal range

C. PaCO2 45 mmHg is incorrect option as paco2 is under normal range, if it is increased than it suggest for oxygen titration.

D. HCO3 24 mEq/liter- is incorrect as it is under normal range.

Hence option a is a correct answer.

FOR ANY DOUBT POST A QUESTION IT WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.