ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygenation and Perfusion Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with chronic bronchitis is prescribed oxygen therapy. What is the primary goal of this treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of oxygen therapy for a client with chronic bronchitis is to improve oxygen delivery to tissues. In chronic bronchitis, the airways are inflamed and narrowed, leading to decreased oxygen exchange. Providing supplemental oxygen helps increase oxygen levels in the blood, improving oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body. This can alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. Choice A is incorrect because oxygen therapy primarily focuses on increasing oxygen levels, not reducing carbon dioxide levels. Choice C is incorrect as oxygen therapy does not directly address mucus production. Choice D is incorrect as the goal of oxygen therapy is not specifically to prevent pneumonia, although adequate oxygenation can support overall respiratory health and reduce the risk of complications.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who has been hospitalized for an acute asthma exacerbation. Which testing method might the nurse use to measure the patient's oxygen saturation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method to measure oxygen saturation in the blood by using a sensor on the patient's finger. 2. It is commonly used in assessing respiratory conditions like asthma exacerbation to monitor oxygen levels. 3. Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space, not for measuring oxygen saturation. 4. Diffusion capacity measures how well oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the lungs, not oxygen saturation. 5. Maximal respiratory pressure assesses the strength of respiratory muscles, not oxygen saturation. Summary: Pulse oximetry is the correct choice as it is a non-invasive method to measure oxygen saturation, which is crucial in assessing and managing respiratory conditions like acute asthma exacerbation. Thoracentesis, diffusion capacity, and maximal respiratory pressure are not appropriate for measuring oxygen saturation in this context.
Question 3 of 5
Which patient in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a patient with a sore throat and a muffled voice may indicate a potential airway obstruction, such as peritonsillar abscess or epiglottitis, requiring immediate assessment to prevent respiratory compromise. Choice B is incorrect because a 'scratchy throat' and a positive rapid strep test may indicate a bacterial infection but do not pose an immediate threat to the airway. Choice C is incorrect as the patient receiving radiation for throat cancer and experiencing severe fatigue requires assessment but not as urgently as a potential airway obstruction. Choice D is incorrect because a red and inflamed stoma in a patient with a history of laryngectomy may indicate infection or irritation, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the airway as the patient already has a stoma for breathing.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse receives a change-of-shift report. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because wheezing after albuterol treatment in a patient with asthma indicates possible worsening or insufficient response to treatment, requiring immediate assessment to prevent respiratory distress. Choice A is incorrect as a weak cough in a patient with bronchitis does not indicate immediate risk. Choice B is incorrect as an O2 saturation of 90% in a patient with emphysema is concerning but not as urgent as worsening wheezing in asthma. Choice D is incorrect as crackles in the right lung base in a patient with pneumonia would require assessment but is not as urgent as addressing potential respiratory distress in an asthmatic patient.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with asthma develops wheezing and shortness of breath after using a dry powder inhaler. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler. This is the priority action because wheezing and shortness of breath indicate an exacerbation of asthma, which requires immediate bronchodilation to relieve symptoms. Administering a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler helps open the airways quickly, providing rapid relief. Assessing the peak flow reading (B) can provide valuable information but is not the priority when the patient is experiencing acute symptoms. Encouraging the patient to drink warm fluids (C) may provide comfort but does not address the urgent need for bronchodilation. Notifying the health care provider immediately (D) is important but should not delay the administration of bronchodilator therapy for acute asthma exacerbation.