Saunders Respiratory Practice

If a pulse oximeter shows a reading of 89%, what is the priority nursing intervention?

1. Evaluate the blood pressure

2. Change the pulse oximeter site

3. Stop suctioning and provide supplemental oxygen

4. Reassess the vitals

The correct answer is: Stop suctioning and provide supplemental oxygen

A pulse oximeter reading of 89% indicates that the patient's oxygen saturation is below the normal range (typically 95% to 100%). This low level suggests that the patient may be experiencing hypoxemia, which can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, potentially resulting in serious complications. In this context, stopping suctioning and providing supplemental oxygen is the priority nursing intervention because suctioning can contribute to airway irritation and may further decrease oxygen saturation levels. By providing supplemental oxygen, the nurse can quickly improve the patient's oxygen saturation and prevent potential respiratory complications. Other options are important in the overall assessment and management of a patient but do not address the immediate concern of hypoxemia as directly as administering supplemental oxygen would. Evaluating blood pressure, changing the pulse oximeter site, and reassessing vitals can be performed subsequently to ensure comprehensive care, but they do not directly address the urgent need for adequate oxygenation.