ATI RN
Oxygen Therapy Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient recovering from surgery. Which action will most likely prevent postoperative complications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises. This action is crucial in preventing postoperative complications because it helps to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions. Deep breathing and coughing exercises improve lung function and prevent the buildup of mucus in the airways, reducing the risk of respiratory complications after surgery. Option A) Encouraging early ambulation is important in preventing complications such as blood clots, but in terms of respiratory complications specifically, deep breathing and coughing exercises are more directly related. Option B) Teaching the patient to cough and deep breathe is a good practice, but the critical aspect is the encouragement and active engagement of the patient in these exercises. Option C) Assessing the patient's pain level is important for overall postoperative care but is not directly related to preventing respiratory complications. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to understand the importance of respiratory care in postoperative patients. By promoting deep breathing and coughing exercises, nurses can help patients maintain optimal lung function and prevent respiratory issues that may arise as a result of surgery. This rationale underscores the significance of proactive respiratory care in the postoperative setting to promote positive patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
A young adult patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) is admitted to the hospital with increased dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention for a young adult patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) experiencing increased dyspnea is option D) Instruct the patient about pancreatic enzyme replacements. This is the correct choice because CF is a genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the pancreas. Patients with CF often have pancreatic insufficiency, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Pancreatic enzyme replacements help these patients digest and absorb essential nutrients from food, improving overall health and respiratory function. Option A) Schedule a sweat chloride test is incorrect because this test is used to diagnose CF, not to address acute symptoms like increased dyspnea. Option B) Arrange for a hospice nurse visit is also incorrect as it is not appropriate for a young adult with CF who is experiencing increased dyspnea. Option C) Perform chest physiotherapy every 4 hours is not the priority intervention in this case, as addressing pancreatic insufficiency and ensuring proper nutrition is crucial for managing CF-related symptoms and preventing complications. Educationally, understanding the multi-system nature of CF is essential for nurses caring for these patients. It is important to prioritize interventions that address specific CF-related issues, such as pancreatic insufficiency, to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life. Providing education and support on pancreatic enzyme replacements empowers patients to manage their condition effectively and improve their overall health.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma who is experiencing an asthma attack. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority nursing intervention is to perform a neurological exam (Option C). During an asthma attack, it is crucial to assess the patient's neurological status to determine the severity of the attack and whether there are any complications such as hypoxia or respiratory distress. By conducting a neurological exam, the nurse can evaluate the patient's level of consciousness, cognitive function, motor responses, and overall neurological status, which can guide further interventions and treatment. Administering a bronchodilator (Option A) may be necessary to help alleviate the asthma symptoms, but assessing the neurological status takes precedence as it provides critical information about the patient's condition and response to treatment. Administering sublingual nitroglycerin (Option B) is not indicated in the management of an asthma attack and could potentially worsen the patient's condition by causing systemic vasodilation. Monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation levels (Option D) is important in the overall management of asthma, but it is not the priority intervention in this acute situation. Assessing the patient's neurological status should come first to ensure timely and appropriate interventions are implemented. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind prioritizing interventions in acute situations like asthma attacks is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care. By prioritizing assessments and interventions based on the patient's condition, nurses can optimize outcomes and provide patient-centered care.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of stroke. The patient is complaining of sudden weakness in the right arm. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Perform a neurological exam. The priority action when a patient with a history of stroke complains of sudden weakness in the right arm is to assess the patient's neurological status to quickly determine if this weakness is indicative of a new stroke or worsening condition. Performing a neurological exam allows the nurse to assess for signs of a stroke, such as changes in motor strength, sensation, coordination, and speech. Early detection and intervention are crucial in stroke management to prevent further damage and improve outcomes. Administering morphine (option B) without assessing the patient's neurological status can mask symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Reassuring the patient (option C) is important for emotional support but should not take precedence over a neurological assessment in this critical situation. Administering IV fluids (option D) is not the priority when a patient is presenting with potential stroke symptoms. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of prompt assessment and critical thinking in nursing practice, especially in situations where time is of the essence, such as when caring for patients with a history of stroke. Nurses must be able to prioritize actions based on the patient's condition and provide timely and appropriate interventions to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patient is experiencing difficulty breathing. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In caring for a patient with COPD experiencing difficulty breathing, the priority intervention is to administer a nebulized bronchodilator (Option A). This is because bronchodilators help dilate the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe by reducing bronchoconstriction and improving airflow. In COPD, bronchodilators are essential to relieve symptoms and improve lung function quickly during exacerbations. Administering corticosteroids (Options B and D) may be necessary in some cases to reduce airway inflammation in COPD, but they are not the priority intervention for acute breathing difficulty. Corticosteroids take longer to have an effect compared to bronchodilators. Administering sublingual nitroglycerin (Option C) is not appropriate for a patient with COPD experiencing difficulty breathing, as nitroglycerin is primarily used for cardiac-related chest pain due to its vasodilatory effects on coronary arteries. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind prioritizing interventions in COPD exacerbations is crucial for nursing practice. Nurses must be able to quickly assess and implement the most effective interventions to improve patient outcomes in acute respiratory distress situations. Prioritizing bronchodilator administration aligns with evidence-based practice guidelines for managing COPD exacerbations.