Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
When initiating oxygen per mask to a client who is short of breath, the nurse hears a loud hissing sound after inserting the flowmeter into the wall outlet. Which should the nurse do next?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
A loud hissing sound typically indicates that the flowmeter is not securely seated in the wall outlet, allowing oxygen to escape. The nurse should remove and firmly reinsert it to ensure a proper seal. Assessing the mask or adjusting the flow rate will not resolve the leak at the outlet. A humidification canister is not always used and would not cause a hissing sound at the outlet.