A nurse is caring for a client who is placed on supplemental oxygen for hypoxia. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicate the intervention was effective?

Choice A rationale A respiratory rate of 28/min is considered tachypneic, as the normal range for an adult is typically 12 to 20 breaths per minute. An elevated respiratory rate suggests that the body is still struggling to compensate for low oxygen levels or high carbon dioxide. Therefore, this finding would indicate that the oxygen therapy has not yet fully stabilized the client's respiratory status. Effective intervention should result in the respiratory rate returning toward the normal physiological range. Choice B rationale Pink mucous membranes are a primary indicator of adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation of hemoglobin. When hypoxia is present, membranes may appear pale or cyanotic due to the lack of oxygenated blood. The transition to pink signifies that the supplemental oxygen is effectively increasing the arterial oxygen tension and saturating the hemoglobin molecules. This clinical observation is a reliable sign that the oxygen therapy is successfully delivering necessary oxygen to the systemic peripheral tissues. Choice C rationale Restlessness is a common early neurological sign of hypoxia and cellular oxygen deprivation within the cerebral cortex. As oxygen levels drop, the brain triggers a stress response that manifests as agitation, anxiety, or confusion. If the client remains restless, it suggests that the supplemental oxygen has not yet resolved the underlying hypoxia at the cellular level. A successful intervention would typically lead to a calmer, more alert state as brain tissue receives sufficient oxygenation. Choice D rationale A heart rate of 110/min is classified as tachycardia, exceeding the normal adult resting range of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism where the heart pumps faster to circulate limited oxygen to vital organs. If the heart rate remains elevated, it indicates that the cardiovascular system is still under stress from oxygen deficiency. Effective oxygen therapy should reduce the workload on the heart, leading to a decrease in the pulse rate.