The client is experiencing severe shortness of breath, but is not cyan

The client is experiencing severe shortness of breath, but is not cyanotic. What laboratory value should the nurse review in an attempt to understand this phenomenon?

1. Blood sugar
2. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
3. Cardiac enzymes
4. Serum electrolytes

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Blood sugar is not used to evaluate respiratory function.
Rationale 2: In order to exhibit cyanosis, the client’s blood must contain about 5 g or more of unoxygenated hemoglobin per 100 mL of blood and the surface blood capillaries must be dilated. Severe anemia will interfere with the development of cyanosis, so the nurse should review the hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Rationale 3: Cardiac enzymes are not used to evaluate respiratory function.
Rationale 4: Serum electrolytes are not used to evaluate respiratory function.