A nurse is assisting with the care of a client in a PACU Which of the following actions should the nurse take during the management of oxygenation for this client? Select all that apply.

Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) management focuses on maintaining airway patency, adequate ventilation, and oxygenation following sedation or anesthesia. Clients are at increased risk for hypoventilation, airway obstruction, and atelectasis due to residual anesthetic effects. Oxygen therapy must be titrated based on oxygen saturation trends and clinical status. Nurses continuously assess respiratory function and escalate oxygen delivery methods when needed to maintain adequate oxygenation. Rationale: A. Adding a humidifier to the oxygen device is appropriate because higher oxygen flow rates can dry mucous membranes, especially when oxygen is increased to 4–5 L/min. Humidification helps maintain airway moisture, improves secretion clearance, and enhances patient comfort during oxygen therapy. This is particularly important in postoperative clients receiving supplemental oxygen. B. Examining the client’s nail beds is appropriate because peripheral perfusion and oxygenation status can be indirectly assessed through nail bed color and capillary refill. Although pulse oximetry is primary, physical assessment provides additional information about oxygen delivery to tissues. Pale or cyanotic nail beds may indicate inadequate oxygenation requiring further intervention. C. Placing the client in the supine position is not appropriate because it can decrease lung expansion and increase the risk of airway obstruction, especially in a sedated postoperative client. The semi-Fowler’s position is preferred as it promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation. Supine positioning may worsen hypoventilation in PACU patients. D. Encouraging deep breathing exercises is appropriate because it promotes alveolar expansion and helps prevent atelectasis following sedation or anesthesia. Deep breathing improves oxygen exchange and supports removal of anesthetic gases. This intervention is essential in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. E. Preparing to administer oxygen via Venturi face mask is inappropriate because a Venturi mask is typically used when a very precise, high concentration of oxygen is required, often for clients with COPD. For a client in the PACU experiencing mild postoperative desaturation, a nasal cannula or a simple face mask is usually sufficient unless the saturation continues to drop despite being at the maximum flow rate for those devices.