ATI RN
Nursing Fundamentals Oxygenation Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A diabetic patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results are pH 7.28; PaCO2 34 mm Hg; PaO2 85 mm Hg; HCO3€“ 18 mEq/L. The nurse would expect which finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Kussmaul respirations. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the ABG results show metabolic acidosis (low pH, low HCO3-) compensated by respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO2). Kussmaul respirations are deep and rapid breathing pattern seen in DKA to blow off excess CO2 and compensate for the metabolic acidosis. Intercostal retractions (A) may occur in severe respiratory distress, but this is not specific to DKA. Low oxygen saturation (C) may be present due to respiratory distress but is not the primary finding in DKA. Decreased venous O2 pressure (D) is not a typical finding in DKA.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse observes a patient with a tracheostomy coughing up thick secretions. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform tracheal suctioning. This is the first intervention because thick secretions can obstruct the tracheostomy tube, leading to respiratory distress. Suctioning helps clear the airway to improve breathing. Encouraging oral fluid intake (B) may not be effective in clearing the secretions. Administering a mucolytic agent (C) may help liquefy secretions but suctioning is more immediate. Teaching about humidification (D) can help prevent thick secretions but immediate action is needed to clear the airway.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with chronic bronchitis is prescribed a combination inhaler containing a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rinse your mouth after using this inhaler. The nurse should emphasize this instruction to prevent oral thrush, a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids. Rinsing the mouth helps to remove any residual medication that can lead to fungal overgrowth. A: Using the inhaler during acute asthma attacks is not appropriate as this combination inhaler is indicated for chronic bronchitis, not for acute asthma exacerbations. C: Taking the medication only when symptoms occur is incorrect as these medications should be used regularly to control symptoms in chronic bronchitis. D: Shaking the inhaler before use is a common instruction for inhalers, but it is not the most crucial instruction for this particular combination inhaler.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse teaches a patient with asthma how to use a peak flow meter. Which statement indicates the need for additional instruction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because using the peak flow meter only when feeling short of breath may not provide an accurate assessment of lung function. The peak flow meter should be used regularly to monitor lung function, not just when symptoms are present. Option A is correct as exhaling forcefully ensures an accurate reading. Option C is correct as recording the highest reading is recommended for tracking progress. Option D is correct as using the meter before and after medications helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with COPD reports increased dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a prescribed bronchodilator. This is the first intervention because it helps to relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow, addressing the immediate symptom of dyspnea in COPD. Bronchodilators act quickly to open up the airways, providing prompt relief. B: Increasing oxygen flow rate may be necessary, but addressing bronchoconstriction with a bronchodilator should come first. C: Assessing arterial blood gases is important for evaluating oxygenation status, but administering a bronchodilator should be the initial action for immediate relief of dyspnea. D: Encouraging pursed-lip breathing is a helpful technique for managing dyspnea in COPD, but administering a bronchodilator is the priority to address the underlying bronchoconstriction causing the increased dyspnea.