The oxygen saturation for a client with acute infective bronchitis drops to 84%, and the client develops severe dyspnea. There is a standing order for a handheld nebulizer (HHN) treatment PRN (as needed) for shortness of breath. The respiratory therapy department is designated to give all respiratory treatments in the facility. When the nurse calls the respiratory therapist, he states that he has several more treatments to give but he should be there in 10 or 15 minutes. Select the action by the nurse that would be most appropriate at this time.
A)Increase the flow rate of the client's oxygen until the respiratory therapist can arrive.
B)Call the respiratory therapist back and insist that he come NOW.
C)Give the HHN treatment himself or herself.
D)Give the client a prescribed PRN sedative to reduce anxiety.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this situation, the client's oxygen saturation has dropped significantly, and they are experiencing severe dyspnea. Waiting for the respiratory therapist to arrive may not be the best option as it could lead to further deterioration of the client's condition. Therefore, the most appropriate action by the nurse would be to administer the prescribed HHN treatment himself or herself, as it is within their scope of practice and can help to reduce the client's shortness of breath. The nurse can also continue to monitor the client's oxygen saturation and call for additional support if necessary. It is not appropriate to increase the client's oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider's order or give a sedative as it does not address the underlying issue of shortness of breath.

The Oxygen Saturation for a Client with Acute Infective Bronchitis