The nurse analyzes the results of a patient's arterial blood ...

[laurencescou]

The nurse analyzes the results of a patient's arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which finding would require immediate action?
 
  a. The bicarbonate level (HCO3) is 31 mEq/L.
  b. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) is 92.
  c. The partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2) is 31 mm Hg.
  d. The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) is 59 mm Hg.

Question 2

After the nurse has received change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
 
  a. A patient with pneumonia who has crackles in the right lung base
  b. A patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy
  c. A patient with hemoptysis and a 16-mm induration with tuberculin skin testing
  d. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) that indicates low forced vital capacity

[flannelavenger]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
All the values are abnormal, but the low PaO2 indicates that the patient is at the point on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve where a small change in the PaO2 will cause a large drop in the O2 saturation and a decrease in tissue oxygenation. The nurse should intervene immediately to improve the patient's oxygenation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Because the cough and gag are decreased after bronchoscopy, this patient should be assessed for airway patency. The other patients do not have clinical manifestations or procedures that require immediate assessment by the nurse.

[laurencescou]

Thank you

[flannelavenger]

No problemo