A nurse evaluates the arterial blood gas and vital sign results for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) What action would the nurse take first? Exhibits

Choice A reason: The patient’s oxygen saturation of 76% indicates severe hypoxemia, a life-threatening condition in COPD. Initiating oxygen therapy is the priority to restore adequate oxygenation, targeting 88–92% saturation to prevent tissue hypoxia. This addresses the immediate risk of organ damage due to low oxygen levels, improving respiratory and cardiac function. Choice B reason: Documenting findings as normal is incorrect, as the arterial blood gas shows respiratory acidosis (pH 7.32, PaCO2 62 mm Hg) and severe hypoxemia (SpO2 76%). These are not typical for stable COPD and indicate acute exacerbation, requiring urgent intervention rather than passive documentation to address life-threatening hypoxia. Choice C reason: Teaching diaphragmatic breathing improves ventilation over time but is not the first action for severe hypoxemia (SpO2 76%). Oxygen therapy is needed immediately to correct hypoxia, as breathing techniques are supportive and take time to implement, making them secondary to addressing acute oxygen deficiency. Choice D reason: Long-acting beta2 agonists manage chronic COPD symptoms but are not for acute exacerbations with severe hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy is the priority to correct low saturation (76%), as bronchodilators do not immediately improve oxygenation and are less urgent than preventing hypoxic organ damage.