If a patient's chart indicates they use 30 L/min of oxygen at home, and the physician's orders specify a PSG without supplemental oxygen, what is the best action for the technologist?

If a patient's chart indicates they use 30 L/min of oxygen at home, and the physician's orders specify a PSG without supplemental oxygen, what is the best action for the technologist?

• A. Increase oxygen to 2 L/min
• B. Follow the orders as specified
• C. Provide oxygen at 1 L/min if saturation is less than 89%
• D. Call the physician for confirmation

Answer: (D)

The most appropriate action for the technologist is to follow the physician’s orders as specified in the sleep study protocol. This is critical in ensuring patient safety and adhering to the established treatment plans. When a physician orders a polysomnography (PSG) without supplemental oxygen, it usually implies that they require an assessment of the patient’s respiratory patterns and oxygen saturation during sleep without the influence of supplemental oxygen. In this case, providing supplemental oxygen could mask underlying respiratory issues and alter the patient's natural breathing patterns during sleep, which is what the sleep study aims to evaluate. By adhering to the physician's orders, the technologist supports the integrity of the diagnostic process. If there are concerns related to the patient's oxygenation levels during the study, such as if the patient's oxygen saturation falls below a certain threshold, it might be advisable for the technologist to contact the physician for clarification or to report changes. This ensures that all actions taken during the study are within the guidelines set by the physician while prioritizing patient safety.

The most appropriate action for the technologist is to follow the physician’s orders as specified in the sleep study protocol. This is critical in ensuring patient safety and adhering to the established treatment plans. When a physician orders a polysomnography (PSG) without supplemental oxygen, it usually implies that they require an assessment of the patient’s respiratory patterns and oxygen saturation during sleep without the influence of supplemental oxygen.

In this case, providing supplemental oxygen could mask underlying respiratory issues and alter the patient's natural breathing patterns during sleep, which is what the sleep study aims to evaluate. By adhering to the physician's orders, the technologist supports the integrity of the diagnostic process.

If there are concerns related to the patient's oxygenation levels during the study, such as if the patient's oxygen saturation falls below a certain threshold, it might be advisable for the technologist to contact the physician for clarification or to report changes. This ensures that all actions taken during the study are within the guidelines set by the physician while prioritizing patient safety.