. A nurse is assigned to care for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is

experiencing an acute exacerbation. The nurse reviews the patient's care plan and notes that the

patient has a goal of maintaining oxygen saturation above 90%. Which of the following interventions

should the nurse prioritize to achieve this goal?

a) Administer bronchodilators as prescribed

b) Encourage pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing

c) Monitor vital signs and oxygen saturation frequently

d) Provide supplemental oxygen as ordered

*Answer: D. Provide supplemental oxygen as ordered*

Rationale: Providing supplemental oxygen as ordered is the most effective intervention to maintain oxygen

saturation above 90% in a patient with COPD who is experiencing an acute exacerbation. Oxygen

therapy can reduce hypoxemia, dyspnea, and work of breathing, and improve gas exchange and tissue

oxygenation. The other interventions are also important, but they are not as urgent as oxygen therapy.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who has been prescribed furosemide, a loop diuretic.

The nurse knows that this medication can cause hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of cardiac

arrhythmias. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent this complication?

a) Monitor serum potassium levels regularly

b) Teach the patient to eat foods rich in potassium

c) Administer potassium supplements as prescribed

d) All of the above

*Answer: D. All of the above*