1. Oxygen therapy is ordered to assist the client with breathing. Which principle should guide a nurse in managing the delivery of oxygen to an elderly client with emphysema?
1. Oxygen therapy is ordered to assist the client with breathing. Which principle should guide a nurse in managing the delivery of oxygen to an elderly client with emphysema?
. O2 should be high (6–8 L) since hypoxemia is the stimulus to breathe.
. O2 should be high since the stimulus to breathe is the high PCO2.
. O2 should be low (2–3 L) since the stimulus to breathe is the low PO2.
. O2 should be low since the stimulus to breathe is the high PCO2.
Test-Taking Tip
The stimulus to breathe in the client with emphysema is a low O2; raising the PO2 will depress the respiratory drive.
Content Area: Geriatrics, Respiratory; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Safety and Infection Control/Safe Use of Equipment
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Answer 1 is incorrect because setting the O2 level above 2 to 3 L will diminish the stimulus to breathe. Answer 2 is incorrect because the stimulus to breathe in a client with COPD is the low PO2. Answer 3 is correct because the client with emphysema (COPD) will stop breathing if O2 is set too high. Answer 4 is incorrect because the stimulus to breathe in the client with COPD is not CO2 but a low PO2.