A female client is receiving supplemental oxygen. When determining the effectiveness of oxygen therapy, which arterial blood gas value is most important?
a. pH
b. Bicarbonate (HCO3–)
c. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)
d. Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
Answer C.
The most significant and direct indicator of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy is the PaO2 value. Based on the PaO2 value, the nurse may adjust the type of oxygen delivery (cannula, venturi mask, or mechanical ventilator), flow rate, and oxygen percentage. The other options reflect the client’s ventilation status, not oxygenation.
a. pH
b. Bicarbonate (HCO3–)
c. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)
d. Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
Answer C.
The most significant and direct indicator of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy is the PaO2 value. Based on the PaO2 value, the nurse may adjust the type of oxygen delivery (cannula, venturi mask, or mechanical ventilator), flow rate, and oxygen percentage. The other options reflect the client’s ventilation status, not oxygenation.
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Respiratory