HESI CAT Exam Quizlet Related

Review HESI CAT Exam Quizlet related questions and content

A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the hospital. The client is experiencing difficulty breathing and is very anxious. The nurse notes that the client's oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. Which action should the nurse implement first?

  • A. Place the client in a high Fowler's position
  • B. Administer supplemental oxygen
  • C. Perform a thorough respiratory assessment
  • D. Start an IV infusion of normal saline
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Administering supplemental oxygen is the first priority to address low oxygen saturation and ease breathing. In a client with COPD experiencing difficulty breathing and anxiety with oxygen saturation at 88%, providing supplemental oxygen takes precedence over other actions. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position may help with breathing but does not address the immediate need for increased oxygenation. Performing a thorough respiratory assessment is important but should come after stabilizing the client's oxygen levels. Starting an IV infusion of normal saline is not the priority in this situation and does not directly address the client's respiratory distress.