A patient’s data shows the following: Oxygen saturation is 94% on room air, pain is 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, temperature is 99.6°F (37.6°C) orally, and heart rate is 95 beats/minute.
Which physician orders would the nurse anticipate being prescribed after reporting these findings? Select all that apply.
A Place client on oxygen 2 to 4 liters and maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%.
B Stat ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) of chest.
C Stat 2 views chest x-ray.
D Stat Complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), and blood cultures.
E Send sputum for culture & sensitivity.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
Based on the provided patient data—oxygen saturation of 94%, pain level of 4, oral temperature of 99.6°F, and heart rate of 95 beats/minute—certain physician orders may be anticipated.
Correct Answers:
A: Place client on oxygen 2 to 4 liters and maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%.
D: Stat Complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), and blood cultures.
Explanation:
- Oxygen Administration (A): The patient’s oxygen saturation of 94% indicates that they are slightly below the normal threshold (95% or above) for adequate oxygenation, particularly if they are symptomatic or have underlying respiratory conditions. Administering supplemental oxygen at 2 to 4 liters can help maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%, improving the patient’s respiratory status and potentially alleviating any associated symptoms.
- Laboratory Tests (D): Ordering a CBC, BMP, and blood cultures is a comprehensive approach to assess the patient’s overall health, detect any underlying infections, and evaluate metabolic status. The elevated temperature of 99.6°F may suggest a mild fever, and these tests can help rule out infections, anemia, or electrolyte imbalances that could contribute to the patient’s condition.
Considerations for Other Options:
- B (Stat V/Q scan) and C (Stat chest x-ray) are not immediately warranted based on the information provided. A V/Q scan is generally reserved for suspected pulmonary embolism, which is not indicated here. A chest x-ray could be useful if there were signs of significant respiratory distress or other abnormalities, but it is not the first-line action based on the current data.
- E (Sputum for culture & sensitivity) might be considered if there are specific respiratory symptoms such as productive cough or suspected pneumonia, but with no explicit symptoms reported, it may not be the immediate priority.
In conclusion, the anticipated physician orders focus on correcting the slight hypoxemia and performing necessary laboratory tests to ensure comprehensive patient care and evaluation.