Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

If a patient presents with labored respirations and low oxygen saturation, what should Chloe do first?

1. Call the doctor

2. Lay the patient down and recheck the VS in 30 minutes

3. Give labetalol 20mg IVP

4. Instruct patient care nurse to call MD

The correct answer is: Instruct patient care nurse to call MD

In a situation where a patient exhibits labored respirations and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure immediate assessment and intervention for the patient's breathing status and overall well-being. The selected choice suggests that instructing the patient care nurse to call the physician is the first action to take, which is appropriate in this context. This choice emphasizes the importance of rapid communication within the healthcare team about significant changes in a patient's condition. By having the patient care nurse reach out to the physician, it ensures that the medical team is informed promptly, allowing for a potential intervention based on the physician's orders. This approach also facilitates necessary medical input and ensures that the patient's needs are addressed swiftly, particularly when dealing with respiratory distress, which can rapidly escalate. Meanwhile, the other options imply actions that may delay necessary interventions or not adequately address the immediate needs of the patient. For example, laying the patient down and waiting to recheck vital signs does not address the critical respiratory issue and can even worsen the patient’s condition, especially if they are experiencing difficulty breathing. Additionally, giving labetalol, which is typically used for managing hypertension, would not be appropriate in this context without waiting for medical direction or further assessment of the underlying cause of respiratory distress. Calling the doctor directly