Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions Practice Question
A woman who has emphysema is on continuous oxygen therapy. She appears anxious and short of breath. Her husband increases the oxygen flow to 6 L/min. The nurse knows this action is most likely to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In patients with emphysema, oxygen therapy must be carefully managed. Increasing the oxygen flow to 6 L/min can lead to a decrease in the respiratory drive due to the body’s reliance on low oxygen levels to stimulate breathing. This can result in respiratory depression, causing the patient to stop breathing (Option D).
Option A is incorrect; while oxygen is intended to ease breathing, excessive flow can paradoxically worsen anxiety and shortness of breath. Option B is misleading; while high oxygen can reduce respiratory drive, it does not directly decrease blood oxygen levels. Option C is also incorrect, as increasing oxygen flow does impact blood oxygen levels, often leading to potential complications.
Unlock All Questions
Subscribe to Premium for full access to all practice questions, detailed rationales, and performance tracking.
Subscribe Now