RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 281 of 2368

A client with end-stage COPD reports severe breathlessness, but the pulse oximeter reading is normal. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Tell the client the breathlessness is not real because oxygen is normal
  2. Wait until the respiratory rate rises before acting
  3. Document that no dyspnea is present
  4. Treat the report seriously and ask the client to rate the breathlessness from 0 to 10
Show answer

Correct answer: Treat the report seriously and ask the client to rate the breathlessness from 0 to 10

Dyspnea is subjective, and respiratory rate and oxygenation do not always match the symptom of breathlessness.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Grief and Loss: Dyspnea. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026