ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient with asthma experiencing shortness of breath, the priority nursing action is to administer a bronchodilator (Option A). This is because bronchodilators help to dilate the airways, allowing for easier breathing and improved oxygenation, which is crucial in managing an acute asthma exacerbation and addressing the immediate issue of shortness of breath. Administering corticosteroids (Option B) is important in the management of asthma to reduce airway inflammation; however, it is not the priority in this acute situation where the focus is on relieving the patient's immediate respiratory distress. Administering pain medication (Option C) and morphine (Option D) are not appropriate actions in this scenario as they do not address the underlying cause of the shortness of breath in a patient with asthma. Educationally, understanding the prioritization of interventions based on the patient's condition is crucial for nursing practice. By prioritizing the administration of a bronchodilator in this case, the nurse is addressing the most urgent need of the patient and working towards stabilizing their respiratory status.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who is experiencing pain. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Administer IV morphine. The priority intervention for a postoperative patient experiencing pain is to address their pain promptly and effectively to ensure their comfort and well-being. Morphine is a potent analgesic that can provide rapid relief for moderate to severe pain commonly experienced postoperatively. Option A) Administer pain medications is vague and does not specify the type or route of medication, unlike option B which specifically mentions IV morphine. Option C) Administer IV fluids is not the priority when the patient's primary concern is pain management. Option D) Administer insulin is irrelevant in the context of managing postoperative pain. Educationally, understanding the importance of timely pain management in postoperative care is crucial for nursing practice. By selecting the correct intervention, nurses can demonstrate their competency in providing patient-centered care and promoting comfort and recovery. It is essential for nurses to prioritize pain assessment and management to ensure optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of stroke. The patient is exhibiting slurred speech and weakness. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention for a patient with a history of stroke exhibiting slurred speech and weakness is option A) Perform a neurological exam. This is the correct choice because the patient's symptoms suggest a potential recurrent stroke or worsening condition, and a neurological exam is crucial in assessing the extent of neurological impairment and determining the appropriate course of action. Option B) Administer corticosteroids is incorrect because corticosteroids are not typically indicated for acute stroke management and would not address the immediate need to assess the patient's neurological status. Option C) and D) both mention administering insulin, which is not relevant to the situation described and would not address the patient's presenting symptoms or the potential neurological emergency at hand. From an educational perspective, understanding the importance of prioritizing assessments and interventions based on the patient's clinical presentation is crucial in acute care settings. A neurological exam allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's neurological status, which is essential in determining the appropriate interventions and ensuring timely and effective care for patients with stroke or stroke-like symptoms. This case highlights the significance of clinical assessment skills and critical thinking in nursing practice, emphasizing the need for prompt and accurate decision-making to provide optimal patient care.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse completes a shift assessment on a patient admitted in the early phase of heart failure. When auscultating the patient's lungs, which finding would the nurse most likely hear?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C: Discontinuous, high-pitched sounds of short duration during inspiration. This finding indicates crackles, which are commonly heard in patients with heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Crackles are caused by the sudden opening of small airways and alveoli that are filled with fluid. Option A, continuous rumbling, snoring, or rattling sounds mainly on expiration, describes rhonchi, which are more commonly associated with conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis. Option B, continuous high-pitched musical sounds on inspiration and expiration, describes wheezes, typically heard in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Option D, a series of long-duration, discontinuous, low-pitched sounds during inspiration, describes wheezes as well, which are not typically associated with heart failure. Educationally, understanding lung auscultation findings is crucial for nurses to assess and manage patients effectively. Recognizing the differences between crackles, rhonchi, and wheezes can guide appropriate interventions and treatment plans for patients with varying respiratory conditions. Mastering these auscultation skills enhances the nurse's ability to provide high-quality care and improve patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse obtains a health history from a patient who has a 35 pack-year smoking history. The patient complains of hoarseness and tightness in the throat and difficulty swallowing. Which question is important for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct question for the nurse to ask is option A) "How much alcohol do you drink in an average week?" This question is crucial because the patient's symptoms of hoarseness, tightness in the throat, and difficulty swallowing are indicative of potential laryngeal or esophageal issues, which can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Option B) "Do you have a family history of head or neck cancer?" is not the most important question to ask in this situation, as the patient's symptoms are more suggestive of immediate health concerns related to their current lifestyle habits. Option C) "Have you had frequent streptococcal throat infections?" is not directly relevant to the patient's current symptoms and smoking history, making it a less pertinent question to ask at this time. Option D) "Do you use antihistamines for upper airway congestion?" is also not as critical of a question compared to asking about alcohol consumption, as antihistamines are not likely to be the primary cause of the patient's symptoms given their smoking history. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind choosing the most relevant question is essential for nurses to develop critical thinking skills in assessing patients' health histories. By focusing on the most pertinent questions, healthcare professionals can gather key information to guide further assessment and intervention strategies effectively.