The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Severe COPD

Multiple Choice

The nurse is caring for a patient with severe COPD who is becoming increasingly confused and disoriented. What is the priority action of the nurse?

A) Obtain an arterial blood gas to check for carbon dioxide retention.
B) Increase the patient's oxygen until the pulse oximetry is greater than 98%.
C) Lower the head of the patient's bed and insert a nasal airway.
D) Administer a mild sedative and reorient the patient as needed.