A patient’s oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, down from 98% yesterday, but the patient is comfortable and speaking normally. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: A. Check the probe position and repeat the reading
- A. Check the probe position and repeat the reading
- B. Start emergency resuscitation measures
- C. Document the lower value without comparison
- D. Ask the patient to breathe into a paper bag
Explanation
A new mild change should be verified by checking probe placement, circulation and the patient’s clinical condition. A persistent fall or associated respiratory symptoms would require prompt reporting, while paper-bag breathing is unsafe and inappropriate.
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About Vital Signs and Monitoring
Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain assessment. Coverage includes correct measurement sites and techniques, normal adult ranges, factors that alter readings, trends in patient observations, and the difference between an abnormal finding that needs reassessment and one requiring immediate reporting.
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