Exam CCRN-Adult Topic 1 Question 90 Discussion

Actual exam question for AACN's CCRN-Adult exam
Question #: 90
Topic #: 1
A patient with a history of COPD is admitted with increasing dyspnea and fatigue. O2 is initiated via nasal cannula at 4 L/min with an O2 saturation of 99%. One hour later, the patient becomes lethargic. Which of the following is the most likely cause for the change in the patient's mental status?

Suggested Answer: C Vote an answer

A patient with COPD may have a chronically elevated PaCO2 and rely on hypoxia as the main stimulus for breathing. If the patient receives too much oxygen, this may reduce the hypoxic drive and cause respiratory depression, leading to lethargy and hypercapnia. O2 toxicity, absorption atelectasis, and decreased end-tidal CO2 are unlikely to occur with 4 L/min of O2 via nasal cannula in a short period of time.
References:
* Reference Guide for CCRN (Adult), page 14.
* Oxygen Saturation Target of 88-92% in COPD: Evidence-based Medicine?

by Mandy at Jan 01, 2025, 10:06 AM

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