A client who is mouth breathing is receiving oxygen by face mask. Olive the nursing assistant asks the registered nurse (RN) why a water bottle is attached to the oxygen tubing near the wall oxygen outlet, the RN responds that the primary purpose of this feature is to:
a. Prevent fluid loss from the lungs during mouth breathing
b. Give the client added fluid via the respiratory tree
c. Humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the client’s nose
d. Prevent the client form getting a nosebleed
Answer C. The purpose of the water bottle is to humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the nose during mouth breathing.
The humidified oxygen may help keep mucous membranes moist but will not substantially alter fluid balance (options A and B).
A client who is breathing through the mouth is not at risk for nosebleeds.
a. Prevent fluid loss from the lungs during mouth breathing
b. Give the client added fluid via the respiratory tree
c. Humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the client’s nose
d. Prevent the client form getting a nosebleed
Answer C. The purpose of the water bottle is to humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the nose during mouth breathing.
The humidified oxygen may help keep mucous membranes moist but will not substantially alter fluid balance (options A and B).
A client who is breathing through the mouth is not at risk for nosebleeds.
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Effective Care Environment