Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 103 of 2368
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is resting comfortably with an SpO2 of 90%. How should the nurse interpret this reading?
- It is within the target range often used for clients with COPD, which should be specified by the provider.
- It indicates severe hypoxia that requires immediate medical intervention.
- It is below the target range for all adults, so oxygen should be increased immediately.
- It is falsely elevated and should be ignored.
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Correct answer: It is within the target range often used for clients with COPD, which should be specified by the provider.
For chronic conditions such as COPD the target SpO2 is often 88% to 92%. The provider specifies the acceptable range.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Oxygenation: Measuring Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, and Acid Base Levels. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026