A 62-year-old male in septic shock suddenly develops acute respiratory arrest syndrome. The nurse immediately places the client on a non-rebreather mask, but oxygenation does not improve. The nurse anticipates which of the following?

  • The physician will ask the nurse to place a venturi mask on the client.
  • The physician will ask the nurse to administer 5L oxygen via a nasal cannula.
  • The physician will ask the nurse to place a simple face mask over the client’s nose and mouth.
  • The physician will ask the nurse to prepare the client for intubation.
Number 4 is correct.
A non-rebreather mask delivers the highest percentage of oxygen compared to a venturi mask, nasal cannula, or simple face mask. If the client does not improve with the non-rebreather mask, the physician is likely to intubate the client and place him on mechanical ventilation.