The nurse is caring for a hospitalized 82-year-old patient who has nasal packing in place to treat a nosebleed. Which of the following assessment findings will require the most immediate action by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Older patients with nasal packing are at risk of aspiration or airway obstruction. An O₂ saturation of 89% should alert the nurse to assess further for these complications. The other assessment data also indicate a need for nursing action but not as immediately as the fall in O₂ saturation.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Hospitalized 82-Year-Old Patient Who