Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 1668 of 2368
A client suddenly becomes severely hypoxic and no oxygen order is in place. Which action should the nurse take?
- Apply oxygen per agency protocol, then notify the provider or rapid response team
- Wait for a written provider's order before applying any oxygen to the client
- Apply oxygen only after the respiratory therapist arrives at the bedside
- Document the low oxygen finding and reassess the client's status in one hour
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Correct answer: Apply oxygen per agency protocol, then notify the provider or rapid response team
Acute hypoxia is an emergency. Nurses may start oxygen under protocol without an order and then call for help.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Oxygen Therapy: Treating Hypoxia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026