ATI RN
NCLEX Questions for Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with a pleural effusion is scheduled for a thoracentesis. What is the nurse's priority pre-procedure intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client sitting upright and leaning forward. This position helps to expose the area for the thoracentesis and prevents puncturing of the underlying structures. It also maximizes lung expansion, making the procedure safer and more effective. Administering analgesics (choice A) is important but not the priority. Ensuring informed consent (choice C) is important but can be done after positioning. Teaching deep breathing exercises (choice D) is also important but not the priority pre-procedure intervention.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which clinical finding is most concerning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oxygen saturation of 87%. In pulmonary embolism, decreased oxygen saturation indicates impaired gas exchange due to reduced blood flow to the lungs. This is concerning as it can lead to hypoxemia and tissue damage. Respiratory rate (choice B) and heart rate (choice D) can be elevated in response to hypoxemia but are not as direct indicators of impaired gas exchange. Chest pain and hemoptysis (choice A) are common symptoms of pulmonary embolism but do not directly reflect the severity of oxygenation impairment.
Question 3 of 5
A client with chronic bronchitis reports worsening shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering prescribed bronchodilators. The priority intervention for a client with chronic bronchitis experiencing worsening shortness of breath is to address the underlying cause, which is airway obstruction due to inflammation and mucus production. Bronchodilators help to open up the airways and improve airflow, providing immediate relief for shortness of breath. This intervention directly targets the client's respiratory distress and is essential for managing exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Choice B: Encouraging pursed-lip breathing may be beneficial for some clients with chronic bronchitis but is not the priority intervention in this case. It is more of a supportive measure to help manage symptoms. Choice C: Positioning the client in high Fowler's position can help improve breathing by maximizing lung expansion, but it is not the priority intervention when the client is experiencing worsening shortness of breath. Choice D: Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is important in assessing the client's respiratory status
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with pulmonary hypertension. Which symptom is most commonly associated with this condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, peripheral edema and dyspnea on exertion. In pulmonary hypertension, increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries can lead to right-sided heart failure, causing symptoms like peripheral edema and dyspnea on exertion. Productive cough with green sputum (A) is more commonly associated with respiratory infections. Frequent upper respiratory infections (C) may indicate issues with the upper airways, not specifically pulmonary hypertension. Intermittent chest pain at rest (D) is less likely to be associated with pulmonary hypertension, as it is more commonly seen with other cardiovascular conditions.
Question 5 of 5
A client is prescribed a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) for asthma management. What should the nurse explain as the primary purpose of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To prevent asthma symptoms and attacks. Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are used as maintenance therapy to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks by providing long-lasting bronchodilation. They are not meant for quick relief during an asthma attack (A), nor do they specifically target mucus production (C) or enhance short-acting bronchodilators (D). Preventing symptoms and attacks is the primary goal of using LABAs in asthma management.