ATI RN
Oxygen Cycle Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula. The client reports headache and drowsiness. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client's oxygen saturation level. Headache and drowsiness can indicate oxygen toxicity due to excessive oxygen administration in COPD patients. Assessing the oxygen saturation level will help determine if the client is experiencing oxygen toxicity. If the oxygen saturation is high, decreasing the oxygen flow rate (choice A) may be necessary. Encouraging deep breaths (choice C) is not the priority in this situation. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after assessing the oxygen saturation level.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which diagnostic test is most definitive?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). This test is most definitive for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it provides detailed images of the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing for visualization of any blockages. Step-by-step rationale: 1. CTPA is the gold standard diagnostic test for pulmonary embolism due to its high sensitivity and specificity. 2. It can accurately identify the location and size of the blood clot in the pulmonary arteries. 3. CTPA is non-invasive and can be performed quickly, making it a preferred choice in the acute setting. Summary: A (Chest X-ray) is not sensitive enough to diagnose pulmonary embolism. B (D-dimer test) is a screening tool but not definitive for diagnosis. D (V/Q scan) is an alternative test but CTPA is more accurate and widely used.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with suspected pneumonia. Which diagnostic test is most definitive for confirming the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sputum culture and sensitivity. This test is most definitive for confirming pneumonia as it directly identifies the causative organism present in the sputum, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Chest X-ray (A) can show infiltrates but doesn't confirm the pathogen. CBC (B) can show elevated white blood cells, but not specific to pneumonia. ABG analysis (D) assesses gas exchange and oxygenation status, not a direct confirmation of pneumonia.
Question 4 of 5
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. The client reports drowsiness and confusion. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assessing the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory status is the priority. Drowsiness and confusion may indicate oxygen overdose, so assessing these parameters will help determine if the client is experiencing oxygen toxicity. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (choice A) could worsen the symptoms. Discontinuing oxygen therapy (choice C) without assessment could lead to hypoxia. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after the initial assessment.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse palpates the posterior chest while the patient says '99' and notes absent fremitus. Which action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because auscultating breath sounds is the next appropriate action after noting absent fremitus. This helps assess for additional signs of respiratory issues. Palpating the anterior chest for barrel chest (choice A) is not necessary at this point. Encouraging the patient to turn, cough, and deep breathe (choice B) is more appropriate for assessing for chest expansion. Reviewing the chest x-ray report for evidence of pneumonia (choice C) is premature without further assessment of breath sounds.