A nurse is teaching a patient about improving oxygenation. Which instruction is most effective?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Purse-lip breathing prolongs exhalation, reducing air trapping and improving oxygenation, especially in COPD. Sleeping flat, avoiding exercise, or increasing salt don’t enhance oxygenation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) relax bronchial smooth muscles, opening airways and improving oxygenation in bronchospasm, unlike antibiotics, diuretics, or antihypertensives.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pink nail beds indicate good peripheral oxygenation and circulation, unlike cold extremities (poor perfusion), tachypnea (respiratory distress), or confusion (hypoxia).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Respiratory acidosis occurs with a low pH (30) and high PaCO2 (50 mmHg) due to CO2 retention, unlike normal (35-45) or alkalotic values.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Weight loss reduces chest wall resistance and improves lung expansion in obesity, enhancing oxygenation, unlike increasing calories, reducing activity, or sleeping supine.