Why should a nurse continue monitoring a patient with emphysema after administering oxygen?

Monitoring a patient with emphysema after administering oxygen is crucial because patients with this condition may experience alterations in their respiratory drives. Specifically, in the case of emphysema, these patients typically rely on a hypoxic drive to stimulate their respiratory effort due to chronically elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia). If supplemental oxygen is provided, it can raise their blood oxygen levels to the point where their hypoxic drive is diminished or lost.

When the hypoxic drive is reduced, there is a risk of respiratory depression, leading to inadequate ventilation and potentially resulting in respiratory failure. Therefore, constant monitoring is necessary to ensure that the patient maintains adequate ventilation and does not exhibit signs of respiratory compromise.

This reinforces the importance of careful oxygen titration and monitoring in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to prevent these complications.