Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 92%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has an oxygen saturation of 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Encourage the client to take deep breaths. This action will help improve oxygenation by increasing lung ventilation and oxygen exchange. Deep breathing helps to expand the lungs fully, allowing more oxygen to enter the bloodstream. Decreasing the head of the bed (A) is typically done for clients with respiratory distress to improve oxygenation. Asking the client to cough (B) every 4 hours may help with airway clearance but does not directly address oxygen saturation. Requesting an opioid analgesic (D) is not indicated for improving oxygen saturation and may potentially depress the respiratory drive, worsening the situation.