A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority action?

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Oxygenation NCLEX Questions with Rationale Questions

Question 1 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen therapy. The priority action is to address the patient's shortness of breath, which could indicate decreased oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen levels and alleviate respiratory distress. IV fluids (B) are not indicated unless the patient is hypovolemic. Pain relief (C) is important but not the priority in this case. Administering thrombolytics (D) may be appropriate for an MI but is not the immediate priority when the patient is experiencing shortness of breath.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient with asthma who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help to open the airways quickly, providing immediate relief for the patient's shortness of breath in an acute asthma attack. This intervention addresses the patient's current distress and helps improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (choice B) is important for long-term management but not the priority in an acute situation. Monitoring vital signs (choice C) is essential but not the immediate priority when the patient is in respiratory distress. Administering insulin (choice D) is not indicated for asthma and would not address the patient's shortness of breath.

Question 3 of 5

Which action is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Measuring induration is a simple task within UAP scope, unlike assessing lung sounds or teaching.

Question 4 of 5

Teach the patient about the use of expectorants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Expectorants help loosen mucus in the airways, which is relevant for pneumonia patients with ineffective airway clearance. Rinsing the mouth after inhalers prevents oral thrush, a common issue with inhaled corticosteroids.

Question 5 of 5

A patient who has a right-sided chest tube after a thoracotomy has continuous bubbling in the suction-control chamber of the collection device. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the suction-control chamber is normal with active suction; monitoring is appropriate unless other issues arise.

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