ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with increased dyspnea. Which laboratory test result requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: PaO2 of 55 mmHg. In a client with COPD and increased dyspnea, a low PaO2 indicates hypoxemia, which can lead to respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is needed to improve oxygenation and prevent complications. Option A is within normal range for hemoglobin. Option C shows a normal pH level, indicating no immediate acid-base imbalance. Option D reveals a normal HCO3 level, suggesting no immediate metabolic imbalance. Therefore, the critical issue in this scenario is the low PaO2 level, requiring prompt attention.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with pneumothorax who has a chest tube. What intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Keeping the drainage system below the chest level. This is crucial to ensure proper drainage and prevent air from entering the pleural space. Placing the system below the chest level allows gravity to assist in drainage. Choice A is incorrect because ambulation may increase the risk of dislodging the chest tube. Choice B is incorrect as clamping the chest tube can lead to tension pneumothorax. Choice D is incorrect as changing the chest tube dressing daily is not a priority over maintaining proper positioning of the drainage system.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat small, frequent meals to reduce fatigue. For a client with COPD, consuming small, frequent meals helps reduce the energy expenditure required for digestion, thereby reducing fatigue. This approach also prevents overeating, which can lead to increased breathlessness. Option A is incorrect because high-carbohydrate meals may lead to excess energy intake and contribute to weight gain, which can exacerbate COPD symptoms. Option C is incorrect as protein is essential for muscle strength and repair, especially important for individuals with COPD who may experience muscle wasting. Option D is incorrect as there is no direct evidence linking dairy consumption to increased mucus production in individuals with COPD.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. Which intervention is the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensuring a replacement tracheostomy tube is at the bedside. This is the priority because in the event of accidental dislodgement or obstruction of the current tracheostomy tube, a replacement must be readily available to maintain the client's airway. Without a replacement tube, the client could experience severe respiratory distress or even airway obstruction, which could be life-threatening. Cleaning the stoma site every 24 hours (Choice A) is important for hygiene but is not the immediate priority. Suctioning the tracheostomy every 8 hours (Choice C) is a routine maintenance task and should be done as needed based on assessment. Providing humidified oxygen through the tracheostomy (Choice D) is important for maintaining proper oxygenation but ensuring a replacement tube takes precedence to maintain airway patency.
Question 5 of 5
A client with COPD is prescribed a short-acting beta-agonist. What is the expected effect of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Immediate relief of bronchospasm. Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol act quickly to dilate the airways, providing immediate relief of bronchospasm in COPD by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs. This effect helps improve airflow and alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Reduction in mucus production (choice A) is typically targeted by medications like mucolytics, not beta-agonists. Prevention of airway inflammation (choice C) is usually achieved with corticosteroids. Increased oxygen absorption in the lungs (choice D) is not a direct effect of short-acting beta-agonists.