A nurse is caring for a 58-year-old woman on day 1 of hospit…
A nurse is caring for a 58-year-old woman on day 1 of hospitalization for pneumonia. She says, “I can’t catch my breath, and I’m so tired.” Findings are respiratory rate 28, blood pressure 98/60, and an apical heart rate of 118 counted for one full minute. Her skin is pale, her fingertips are cold, and capillary refill is 4 seconds. She is sitting upright and using accessory muscles to breathe. A pulse oximeter on her right index finger displays an SpO2 of 86%, a weak waveform, and a pulse rate of 92. Which interpretation and nursing action is most appropriate?
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