A nurse is caring for a client who has an oxygen saturation of 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Asking the client to cough every 4 hours is insufficient in response to hypoxemia. Frequent coughing may help clear secretions, but it does not directly improve oxygen saturation and waiting several hours between coughs may delay intervention. B. Requesting a prescription for an opioid analgesic is not appropriate because opioids can depress respiratory drive, which may worsen hypoxemia. Administering an opioid without respiratory assessment could be dangerous for a client with low oxygen saturation. C. Encouraging the client to take deep breaths is correct. Deep breathing exercises, including techniques such as incentive spirometry, help expand the lungs, improve alveolar ventilation, and increase oxygenation. This intervention is noninvasive, safe, and directly addresses the low oxygen saturation. D. Decreasing the head of the bed is incorrect. A supine or flat position can reduce lung expansion and worsen oxygenation. Elevating the head of the bed, or having the client sit upright, promotes better lung expansion and improves oxygen saturation.