NCLEX Prioritization
Acute Respiratory Failure
A failure of oxygenation or ventilation requiring immediate nursing intervention.
Clinical Priorities
- Administer oxygen to maintain SpO2 >92% or as prescribed.
- Assess ABGs to determine if failure is hypoxemic or hypercapnic.
- Ensure patent airway before addressing oxygen delivery.
Acute Monitoring
- Continuous pulse oximetry and capnography.
- Serial arterial blood gases.
- Monitor mental status for changes indicative of hypercapnia.
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