NCLEX RN Exam Practice Related

Review NCLEX RN Exam Practice related questions and content

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. The client's oxygen saturation is 88%. What should the nurse do first?

  • A. Increase the oxygen to 4 L/min
  • B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
  • C. Notify the respiratory therapist
  • D. Assess the client's respiratory status
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% is low for a COPD client, but increasing oxygen without assessment risks CO2 retention. Assessing respiratory status first guides appropriate intervention.