Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 108 of 2368
A client in severe respiratory distress has an SpO2 of 84%, and no oxygen order is in place. Which action should the nurse take?
- Wait for the provider's order before applying any oxygen to the client.
- Apply oxygen per agency protocol, call for help, and obtain the order afterward.
- Lay the client flat to rest and recheck the SpO2 after 15 minutes have passed.
- Document the SpO2 reading and notify the provider about it at the next rounds.
Show answer
Correct answer: Apply oxygen per agency protocol, call for help, and obtain the order afterward.
Oxygen may be started without an order in an emergency as part of the ABCs. The order is obtained later per agency policy.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Oxygenation: Treating Hypoxia and Hypercapnia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026