HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam Related

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A client who is mouth breathing is receiving oxygen by face mask. The nursing assistant asks the nurse why a water bottle is attached to the oxygen tubing near the wall oxygen outlet. The nurse responds that the primary purpose of the water is to:

  • A. Prevent the client from getting a nosebleed
  • B. Give the client added fluid by way of the respiratory tree
  • C. Humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the client's nose
  • D. Prevent fluid loss from the lungs during mouth breathing
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of the water bottle is to humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the nose during mouth breathing. When a client breathes through the mouth, the oxygen delivered by the face mask bypasses the natural humidification provided by the nasal passages. Therefore, the water bottle attachment helps to add moisture to the oxygen, preventing dryness and irritation to the respiratory tract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Clients breathing through the mouth are not at risk for nosebleeds, do not receive added fluid through the respiratory tree, and do not experience fluid loss from the lungs due to mouth breathing.