ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected tuberculosis. What is the priority diagnostic test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sputum culture. The priority diagnostic test for suspected tuberculosis is sputum culture because it directly identifies the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This test helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. Chest x-ray (A) is important but may not definitively diagnose TB. Mantoux test (C) checks for exposure but not active infection. Complete blood count (D) can show signs of infection but does not confirm TB.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient after a thoracentesis. Which finding requires immediate attention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Oxygen saturation of 88%. A low oxygen saturation level of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention to prevent complications like organ damage or respiratory failure. A: Mild discomfort at the puncture site is expected after a thoracentesis and can be managed with pain relief measures. C: Removing 300 mL of pleural fluid is a normal part of the procedure and does not require immediate attention unless signs of complications arise. D: A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range, so it does not require immediate attention. In summary, a low oxygen saturation level is the most critical finding that needs prompt intervention compared to the other choices.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse notes a large air leak in the chest tube system of a patient with a pneumothorax. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Check all connections for leaks. The priority action is to identify and address the source of the air leak to prevent complications such as tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube (A) can lead to a life-threatening situation. Notifying the healthcare provider (B) is important but not the immediate action. Repositioning the chest tube (D) does not address the air leak issue. Checking all connections for leaks (C) ensures the integrity of the chest tube system and allows for prompt intervention.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse teaches a patient about the transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates that teaching was effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Keeping the windows closed at home helps prevent the spread of TB bacteria by reducing the circulation of contaminated air. This statement shows understanding of how TB is transmitted through the air. Explanation: A: Taking the bus instead of driving does not relate to TB transmission. B: Having the spouse sleep in another room may reduce transmission, but it does not address other potential sources. D: Staying indoors whenever possible does not address the risk of exposure to contaminated air inside the home.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer diuretics. In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Diuretics help to manage fluid overload by increasing urine output. This can help prevent complications such as edema and fluid overload. Increasing fluid intake (choice B) would worsen fluid overload. Providing a warm compress to the foot (choice C) is not a priority in CKD. Administering a platelet inhibitor (choice D) is not directly related to managing CKD.