ATI RN
Oxygenation NCLEX Questions with Rationale Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with asthma is admitted for an acute exacerbation. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Short-acting beta2-agonist. During an acute asthma exacerbation, bronchodilation is the priority to relieve airway constriction and improve breathing. Short-acting beta2-agonists like albuterol act quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscles, providing immediate relief. This medication is the first-line treatment for acute exacerbations as it addresses the underlying bronchoconstriction. Inhaled corticosteroids (B) are used for long-term management and prevention of asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (C) are typically used as adjunct therapy and not for acute exacerbations. Long-acting beta2-agonists (D) are used for maintenance therapy and should not be used as the initial treatment during an acute exacerbation.
Question 2 of 5
A client recovering from a thoracentesis reports feeling lightheaded and short of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client for signs of pneumothorax. Following a thoracentesis, lightheadedness and shortness of breath could indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication where air accumulates in the pleural space. The priority action is to assess for signs of pneumothorax, such as decreased breath sounds, chest pain, and respiratory distress, as it requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Encouraging slow, deep breaths (A) may worsen a pneumothorax. Administering pain medication (C) is not the priority when respiratory distress is present. Positioning the client flat (D) may exacerbate a pneumothorax.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with sleep apnea. Which symptom is most commonly associated with this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Morning headaches. 1. Sleep apnea causes intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to low oxygen levels and frequent awakenings, resulting in morning headaches. 2. Frequent nighttime urination (B) is not typically associated with sleep apnea. 3. Unexplained weight loss (C) is not a common symptom of sleep apnea. 4. Persistent dry cough (D) is more commonly associated with conditions like asthma or GERD, not sleep apnea.
Question 4 of 5
A client with COPD is prescribed home oxygen therapy. Which teaching point should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid smoking or open flames near oxygen equipment. This is crucial because oxygen supports combustion and can cause fires. Smoking or having open flames near oxygen equipment can lead to serious accidents. A: Using oxygen only when shortness of breath occurs is incorrect because oxygen therapy should be used as prescribed by the healthcare provider, not just when symptoms are present. C: Setting the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min at all times is incorrect because the flow rate should be adjusted based on the client's oxygen saturation levels and prescribed by the healthcare provider. D: Storing oxygen tanks in an enclosed space for safety is incorrect because oxygen tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, to reduce the risk of fire.
Question 5 of 5
A client with pulmonary fibrosis is receiving supplemental oxygen. What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy in this condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of oxygen therapy in pulmonary fibrosis is to maintain tissue oxygenation. Pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Supplemental oxygen helps to ensure that the tissues receive an adequate supply of oxygen, preventing hypoxemia and tissue damage. - A: Oxygen therapy does not cure pulmonary fibrosis but helps manage symptoms. - C: Oxygen therapy may prevent acute exacerbations but may not always prevent the need for mechanical ventilation. - D: While oxygen therapy can improve exercise tolerance temporarily, it does not offer a permanent solution for pulmonary fibrosis.