Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

A patient with COPD has specific ABG values. What should be the nurse's immediate action?

1. Continue ongoing therapy and monitoring

2. Increase the dead space of the oxygen tubing

3. Increase the FIO2

4. Administer sodium bicarbonate

The correct answer is: Continue ongoing therapy and monitoring

In cases where a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) presents with specific arterial blood gas (ABG) values, the appropriate action often revolves around understanding the patient's baseline and current status. If the ABG values indicate that the patient's condition remains stable or within expected parameters for their diagnosis, continuing ongoing therapy and monitoring is the most prudent action. This approach involves observing the patient for any changes, providing supportive care, and ensuring that any chronic management interventions are maintained. Patients with COPD often experience recurrent episodes of hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide) and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), and healthcare providers must recognize their typical ABG profiles. For some patients, an increase in FIO2 might lead to hypercapnia, and adjusting oxygen therapy may need to be very cautious. Therefore, continuing the current management while monitoring the patient's response allows for a careful assessment of any needs for adjustments without assuming immediate interventions are necessary, as sudden changes can lead to complications. The other options could pose risks or may not align with the patient's current needs based on their stable or expected condition.