NSG262 Oxygenation HESI Review
Questions and All Correct Answers
2025-2026 Updated.
Which of the following is a risk factor for decreased oxygen saturation level in a patient?
A. Chest wall injury
B. Restlessness
C. Hypotension
D. Prescribed bronchodilators - Answer A. Chest wall injury
Chest wall injury is a risk factor for decreased oxygen saturation level in a patient. Restlessness
is a symptom of altered oxygen saturation, not a risk factor for it. Hypotension will influence
measurement of the oxygen saturation level but is not a risk factor for decreased oxygen
saturation. Prescribed bronchodilators will influence measurement of the oxygen saturation
level, but use of such agents is not a risk factor for decreased oxygen saturation.
What should the nurse teach nursing assistive personnel (NAP) about selecting the appropriate
site for measuring a patient's oxygen saturation level?
A. "Do not use the fingers if her nails are polished."
B. "I've checked her capillary refill, and it's acceptable in both her hands and feet."
C. "Please review the patient's previously documented pulse oximetry readings for the site
used."
D. "Ask the patient to keep her finger motionless while you are monitoring her oxygen
saturation." - Answer B. "I've checked her capillary refill, and it's acceptable in both her
hands and feet."
Checking the capillary refill is the correct option, because it provides NAP with specific direction
regarding the appropriate sites for this particular patient. The finger can be used if the patient's
nails have been polished; the nail polish will simply need to be removed. Previously
documented pulse oximetry readings do not pertain to the selection of an appropriate site for
the current measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation. Patient teaching does not pertain to
site selection.
The nurse measures a patient's oxygen saturation level as being 83%. What would the nurse do
first?
A. Reassess the oxygen saturation in a different location.
B. Promptly report the assessment data to the charge nurse.
C. Encourage the patient to rest quietly in bed for 30 minutes.
,D. Ask the patient whether he or she is having trouble breathing. - Answer D. Ask the patient
whether he or she is having trouble breathing.
Asking the patient whether he or she is having trouble breathing is the appropriate response,
because the nurse must assess the patient for respiratory problems. Reassessing the oxygen
saturation in a different location is not the priority action, because a deficiency has already been
determined. Reporting the assessment data is not the priority action, because the nurse must
first assess the patient for respiratory problems. Encouraging the patient to rest quietly is not
the appropriate response, because the patient is not receiving enough oxygen. The patient must
be assessed for respiratory problems without delay.
The nurse is preparing to measure the oxygen saturation level of a patient with obesity. Which
action would help ensure an adequate measurement?
A. Place the sensor on the ear.
B. Place the sensor on the bridge of the nose.
C. Place the sensor on a finger.
D. Use a disposable tape-on sensor. - Answer D. Use a disposable tape-on sensor.
Use of a disposable tape-on sensor is recommended for patients with obesity. The ear would be
an appropriate site for sensor placement in a patient who has tremors. The bridge of the nose
would be an appropriate site for sensor placement in a patient with peripheral vascular
compromise. A finger is a usual site for sensor placement; however, it may not be adequate for
a patient with obesity.
A patient is prescribed continuous oxygen saturation monitoring. The nurse would confirm that
the alarms have been set to which limits?
A. Low of 85% and high of 100%
B. Low of 80% and high of 100%
C. Low of 75% and high of 90%
D. Low of 82% and high of 95% - Answer A. Low of 85% and high of 100%.
A low of 85% and a high of 100% are the alarm limits that are usually preset by the
manufacturer of the monitoring device, and these limits must be confirmed. The alarm for the
lower limit must be set at 85%, and the alarm for the higher limit should be set at 100%.
When caring for a patient receiving oxygen by nasal cannula, which of the following is a priority
to help maintain good skin integrity?
A. Frequently applying moisturizing lotion to facial areas that come into contact with the
cannula.
B. Removing the cannula every 2 hours for no longer than 10 minutes.
, C. Assessing the patient's external ears, nares, and nasal mucosa for breakdown at least once
per shift.
D. Instructing the patient to inform staff of any problems with facial dryness or cracking. -
Answer C. Assessing the patient's external ears, nares, and nasal mucosa for breakdown at
least once per shift.
Frequent assessment is a priority and will help the nurse identify early signs of skin breakdown.
Although applying lotion is appropriate, this option is not the best way to maintain good skin
integrity. It may not be appropriate to remove the cannula in a patient for whom oxygen
therapy has been ordered. The patient may be unaware of facial skin areas that are dry or
cracking.
When caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen by simple face mask, which action ensures
that the rate of oxygen being delivered is appropriate?
A. Frequently asking the patient how he or she is breathing.
B. Ensuring that the oxygen tubing is pulled tight, with little or no slack.
C. Securing the oxygen tubing to the patient's clothing to prevent tugging.
D. Assessing for proper placement of the mask on the patient's face. - Answer D. Assessing
for proper placement of the mask on the patient's face.
Monitoring placement of the cannula tips helps ensure that the patient receives the oxygen
prescribed. Asking the patient if he or she is having trouble breathing does not address oxygen
delivery. Oxygen tubing should not be pulled tight. There should be enough slack in the tubing
to allow the patient to turn his or her head comfortably. Securing the oxygen tubing to keep the
patient from pulling out the cannula does not address oxygen delivery.
When caring for a patient for whom oxygen by nonrebreathing mask has been ordered, which
action ensures appropriate oxygen delivery?
A. Looping the oxygen tubing around the side rail of the bed
B. Assessing breath sounds every shift
C. Securing the tubing snugly to the patient's gown
D. Assessing that the reservoir bag stays inflated - Answer D. Assessing that the reservoir bad
stays inflated.
A mask that fits properly will deliver the prescribed amount of oxygen. The oxygen tubing
should not be looped around the side rail of the bed. Assessing breath sounds does not ensure
that the oxygen is being delivered appropriately. The tubing should have some slack so that the
patient can move his or her head.
When caring for a patient who is receiving supplemental oxygen by face tent, which action
ensures that the oxygen is flowing?
Questions and All Correct Answers
2025-2026 Updated.
Which of the following is a risk factor for decreased oxygen saturation level in a patient?
A. Chest wall injury
B. Restlessness
C. Hypotension
D. Prescribed bronchodilators - Answer A. Chest wall injury
Chest wall injury is a risk factor for decreased oxygen saturation level in a patient. Restlessness
is a symptom of altered oxygen saturation, not a risk factor for it. Hypotension will influence
measurement of the oxygen saturation level but is not a risk factor for decreased oxygen
saturation. Prescribed bronchodilators will influence measurement of the oxygen saturation
level, but use of such agents is not a risk factor for decreased oxygen saturation.
What should the nurse teach nursing assistive personnel (NAP) about selecting the appropriate
site for measuring a patient's oxygen saturation level?
A. "Do not use the fingers if her nails are polished."
B. "I've checked her capillary refill, and it's acceptable in both her hands and feet."
C. "Please review the patient's previously documented pulse oximetry readings for the site
used."
D. "Ask the patient to keep her finger motionless while you are monitoring her oxygen
saturation." - Answer B. "I've checked her capillary refill, and it's acceptable in both her
hands and feet."
Checking the capillary refill is the correct option, because it provides NAP with specific direction
regarding the appropriate sites for this particular patient. The finger can be used if the patient's
nails have been polished; the nail polish will simply need to be removed. Previously
documented pulse oximetry readings do not pertain to the selection of an appropriate site for
the current measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation. Patient teaching does not pertain to
site selection.
The nurse measures a patient's oxygen saturation level as being 83%. What would the nurse do
first?
A. Reassess the oxygen saturation in a different location.
B. Promptly report the assessment data to the charge nurse.
C. Encourage the patient to rest quietly in bed for 30 minutes.
,D. Ask the patient whether he or she is having trouble breathing. - Answer D. Ask the patient
whether he or she is having trouble breathing.
Asking the patient whether he or she is having trouble breathing is the appropriate response,
because the nurse must assess the patient for respiratory problems. Reassessing the oxygen
saturation in a different location is not the priority action, because a deficiency has already been
determined. Reporting the assessment data is not the priority action, because the nurse must
first assess the patient for respiratory problems. Encouraging the patient to rest quietly is not
the appropriate response, because the patient is not receiving enough oxygen. The patient must
be assessed for respiratory problems without delay.
The nurse is preparing to measure the oxygen saturation level of a patient with obesity. Which
action would help ensure an adequate measurement?
A. Place the sensor on the ear.
B. Place the sensor on the bridge of the nose.
C. Place the sensor on a finger.
D. Use a disposable tape-on sensor. - Answer D. Use a disposable tape-on sensor.
Use of a disposable tape-on sensor is recommended for patients with obesity. The ear would be
an appropriate site for sensor placement in a patient who has tremors. The bridge of the nose
would be an appropriate site for sensor placement in a patient with peripheral vascular
compromise. A finger is a usual site for sensor placement; however, it may not be adequate for
a patient with obesity.
A patient is prescribed continuous oxygen saturation monitoring. The nurse would confirm that
the alarms have been set to which limits?
A. Low of 85% and high of 100%
B. Low of 80% and high of 100%
C. Low of 75% and high of 90%
D. Low of 82% and high of 95% - Answer A. Low of 85% and high of 100%.
A low of 85% and a high of 100% are the alarm limits that are usually preset by the
manufacturer of the monitoring device, and these limits must be confirmed. The alarm for the
lower limit must be set at 85%, and the alarm for the higher limit should be set at 100%.
When caring for a patient receiving oxygen by nasal cannula, which of the following is a priority
to help maintain good skin integrity?
A. Frequently applying moisturizing lotion to facial areas that come into contact with the
cannula.
B. Removing the cannula every 2 hours for no longer than 10 minutes.
, C. Assessing the patient's external ears, nares, and nasal mucosa for breakdown at least once
per shift.
D. Instructing the patient to inform staff of any problems with facial dryness or cracking. -
Answer C. Assessing the patient's external ears, nares, and nasal mucosa for breakdown at
least once per shift.
Frequent assessment is a priority and will help the nurse identify early signs of skin breakdown.
Although applying lotion is appropriate, this option is not the best way to maintain good skin
integrity. It may not be appropriate to remove the cannula in a patient for whom oxygen
therapy has been ordered. The patient may be unaware of facial skin areas that are dry or
cracking.
When caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen by simple face mask, which action ensures
that the rate of oxygen being delivered is appropriate?
A. Frequently asking the patient how he or she is breathing.
B. Ensuring that the oxygen tubing is pulled tight, with little or no slack.
C. Securing the oxygen tubing to the patient's clothing to prevent tugging.
D. Assessing for proper placement of the mask on the patient's face. - Answer D. Assessing
for proper placement of the mask on the patient's face.
Monitoring placement of the cannula tips helps ensure that the patient receives the oxygen
prescribed. Asking the patient if he or she is having trouble breathing does not address oxygen
delivery. Oxygen tubing should not be pulled tight. There should be enough slack in the tubing
to allow the patient to turn his or her head comfortably. Securing the oxygen tubing to keep the
patient from pulling out the cannula does not address oxygen delivery.
When caring for a patient for whom oxygen by nonrebreathing mask has been ordered, which
action ensures appropriate oxygen delivery?
A. Looping the oxygen tubing around the side rail of the bed
B. Assessing breath sounds every shift
C. Securing the tubing snugly to the patient's gown
D. Assessing that the reservoir bag stays inflated - Answer D. Assessing that the reservoir bad
stays inflated.
A mask that fits properly will deliver the prescribed amount of oxygen. The oxygen tubing
should not be looped around the side rail of the bed. Assessing breath sounds does not ensure
that the oxygen is being delivered appropriately. The tubing should have some slack so that the
patient can move his or her head.
When caring for a patient who is receiving supplemental oxygen by face tent, which action
ensures that the oxygen is flowing?
