HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

When prioritizing care for a hospitalized client, which indicator suggests inadequate oxygenation?

1. Pulse oximetry reading of 95

2. Restlessness and confusion

3. Stable blood pressure

4. Normal respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Restlessness and confusion

Restlessness and confusion are significant indicators that suggest inadequate oxygenation in a hospitalized client. When the body does not receive enough oxygen, it can lead to hypoxia, which affects brain function and causes symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and altered mental status. These manifestations are critical to note, as they may indicate that the client's brain is not receiving adequate oxygen, warranting immediate assessment and intervention to improve oxygenation. In contrast, a pulse oximetry reading of 95% is generally considered acceptable for most individuals, indicating that oxygen saturation is within a normal range. Stable blood pressure usually reflects stable cardiovascular function, and a normal respiratory rate typically indicates adequate ventilation. Therefore, while these parameters are essential to monitor, they do not directly suggest inadequate oxygenation in the same immediate and severe way that restlessness and confusion do.