ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with acute shortness of breath is admitted to the hospital. Which action should the nurse take during the initial assessment of the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because during an acute situation like respiratory distress, the nurse should prioritize gathering specific information about the current episode to assess the severity and potential causes promptly. This allows for timely interventions and prevents further complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A - It is not appropriate to ask the patient to lie down immediately without gathering vital information first. C - Checking for allergies is important but not the priority in an acute situation. D - Delaying the physical assessment for pulmonary function tests can lead to a delay in providing necessary interventions.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with pneumonia has coarse crackles and thick sputum. Which action should the nurse plan to promote airway clearance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assist the patient to splint the chest when coughing. This action helps stabilize the chest wall, allowing better force generation during coughing to assist in clearing the airways. Restricting oral fluids (A) would not promote airway clearance. Teaching pursed-lip breathing (B) is beneficial for some respiratory conditions but not specifically for clearing thick sputum. Encouraging the patient to wear a nasal O2 cannula (D) is important for oxygenation but does not directly aid in airway clearance.
Question 4 of 5
Which teaching should the nurse include for a patient prescribed a dry powder inhaler (DPI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hold the breath for 10 seconds after inhalation. This instruction is important for ensuring proper medication delivery to the lungs. Holding the breath allows the medication to reach deeper into the lungs. Option A is incorrect because DPIs should not be shaken. Option B is incorrect as exhaling into the inhaler can lead to contamination. Option D is incorrect because rinsing the mouth is typically advised for using corticosteroid inhalers, not DPIs. Holding the breath is crucial for optimal drug deposition in the lungs.
Question 5 of 5
Which finding in a patient with pneumonia should the nurse report immediately?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because an oxygen saturation of 87% indicates severe hypoxemia, requiring immediate intervention to prevent complications like respiratory failure. Greenish sputum (B) suggests a possible bacterial infection but doesn't require immediate action. Fever (C) and a respiratory rate within normal range (D) are common findings in pneumonia and can be managed appropriately without immediate concern.