Why does the nurse administer oxygen to a client with a coronary occlusion experiencing chest pain?

Administering oxygen to a client with a coronary occlusion who is experiencing chest pain is primarily aimed at increasing the oxygen concentration to heart cells. When there is a blockage in the coronary arteries, the heart muscle may not receive enough oxygen, leading to ischemia and resulting in chest pain. By providing supplemental oxygen, the nurse helps to ensure that more oxygen is available in the bloodstream, which can be critical for heart muscle cells that are at risk of damage due to the lack of adequate blood flow.

This is particularly important in cases of coronary occlusion because the heart’s demand for oxygen increases during times of stress or workload. Enhancing the oxygen supply can help alleviate angina (chest pain) and potentially prevent further damage to the heart muscle. This proactive measure is essential to supporting the heart's energy needs during a critical period.

While the other options might relate to the patient's overall condition, the specific goal of oxygen therapy in this scenario is to address the immediate need for increased oxygen delivery to the heart tissue, which is directly affected by the coronary occlusion.