An older adult with emphysema returns from physical therapy with oxygen at 3 L/min and SpO2 88%. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Administer a prescribed albuterol inhaler
• B. Increase oxygen flow to 6 L/min without a new order
• C. Place the patient in a prone position
• D. Discontinue oxygen therapy

Answer: (A)

Relieving bronchospasm is the priority when an older adult with emphysema has low oxygen saturation after activity. An inhaled bronchodilator like albuterol acts quickly to relax airway smooth muscle, widen the airways, improve ventilation, and raise SpO2 from 88% toward a safer level. Because COPD patients can be sensitive to changes in oxygen flow, increasing oxygen without a new order is not appropriate and can risk CO2 retention or oxygen toxicity. Discontinuing oxygen or placing the patient in a position not proven to help COPD won’t address the airway constriction. After administering the inhaler, reassess the patient’s SpO2 and breathing, and monitor for side effects such as tachycardia.