Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary aim of increasing FiO2 in a hypoxic patient?

1. To reduce airway resistance

2. To improve oxygenation

3. To initiate sedation

4. To decrease respiratory rate

The correct answer is: To improve oxygenation

Increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) in a hypoxic patient primarily aims to improve oxygenation. When a patient is hypoxic, their tissues and organs are not receiving enough oxygen, which can result in serious physiological consequences if not addressed promptly. By increasing the available oxygen that the patient inhales, you enhance the oxygen saturation in the blood, which facilitates better delivery of oxygen to the tissues. This intervention is crucial, especially in acute situations such as respiratory distress, trauma, or other conditions leading to decreased oxygen levels. Other potential options, while they may have relevance in certain contexts, do not directly address the immediate goal of treating hypoxia. Reducing airway resistance could theoretically support better airflow, but it does not specifically target improving oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Initiating sedation or decreasing the respiratory rate may be relevant in different clinical scenarios but can lead to further complications in a hypoxic patient, such as exacerbating the hypoxia by decreasing their respiratory drive. Therefore, the clear objective in cases of hypoxia is to elevate oxygen levels, making improving oxygenation the primary aim when increasing FiO2.