Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation in respiratory distress cases?

1. To determine the need for surgery

2. To assess fluid balance

3. To evaluate airway effectiveness

4. To check for neurological deficits

The correct answer is: To evaluate airway effectiveness

Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation in cases of respiratory distress serves the critical purpose of evaluating airway effectiveness. In such situations, an accurate assessment of the oxygen saturation levels helps healthcare providers determine how well oxygen is being delivered to the lungs and subsequently to the body. This monitoring can indicate whether the airway is patent and functioning properly. In respiratory distress, it's essential to identify if there is any compromise in the airway or ventilation that might lead to hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood). Monitoring oxygen saturation provides real-time data, allowing for timely interventions to improve airway effectiveness, such as administering supplemental oxygen or performing advanced airway management if necessary. The need for surgery is generally not assessed through oxygen saturation monitoring; instead, it involves a broader evaluation of the patient's condition and underlying cause of distress. Similarly, while fluid balance is important in overall patient management, it is typically assessed through other methods such as intake-output measurements and physical examination rather than through oxygen saturation levels. Lastly, while neurological deficits are a significant consideration in pediatric patients, especially those with hypoxia, they are evaluated through different neurological assessments rather than solely relying on oxygen saturation readings. Thus, focusing on airway effectiveness through continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation is pivotal in managing respiratory distress effectively.