What should a nurse do to ensure the proper flow of oxygen in a patient with emphysema?

What should a nurse do to ensure the proper flow of oxygen in a patient with emphysema?

• A. Set the flow rate higher than 4 L/min
• B. Confirm the flow rate does not exceed the prescribed amount
• C. Switch to a non-rebreather mask immediately
• D. Monitor room air saturation levels regularly

Answer: (B)

To ensure the proper flow of oxygen in a patient with emphysema, confirming that the flow rate does not exceed the prescribed amount is critical. Patients with emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often rely on hypoxic drive for their respiratory function. Many of these patients can become dependent on lower levels of oxygen in order to stimulate their breathing. If the flow rate is set too high, it can eliminate their hypoxic drive, leading to respiratory depression and potentially worsening their condition. Oxygen therapy must be carefully managed in this population to avoid complications. The prescribed amount is specifically based on the individual's needs, taking into account their baseline oxygen saturation levels and overall clinical status. By adhering to the prescribed flow rate, nurses help maintain an effective balance that supports the patient's respiratory function without introducing undue risk. It's important to understand why the other options may not be ideal in this context. Switching to a non-rebreather mask immediately may provide too much oxygen, similarly risking respiratory depression. Monitoring room air saturation levels regularly is essential, but on its own, it does not address the critical need to manage the flow of oxygen therapy accurately. Setting the flow rate higher than 4 L/min contradicts the guideline for managing oxygen

To ensure the proper flow of oxygen in a patient with emphysema, confirming that the flow rate does not exceed the prescribed amount is critical. Patients with emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often rely on hypoxic drive for their respiratory function. Many of these patients can become dependent on lower levels of oxygen in order to stimulate their breathing. If the flow rate is set too high, it can eliminate their hypoxic drive, leading to respiratory depression and potentially worsening their condition.

Oxygen therapy must be carefully managed in this population to avoid complications. The prescribed amount is specifically based on the individual's needs, taking into account their baseline oxygen saturation levels and overall clinical status. By adhering to the prescribed flow rate, nurses help maintain an effective balance that supports the patient's respiratory function without introducing undue risk.

It's important to understand why the other options may not be ideal in this context. Switching to a non-rebreather mask immediately may provide too much oxygen, similarly risking respiratory depression. Monitoring room air saturation levels regularly is essential, but on its own, it does not address the critical need to manage the flow of oxygen therapy accurately. Setting the flow rate higher than 4 L/min contradicts the guideline for managing oxygen