ATI RN
Oxygen Therapy Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with acute renal failure. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient with acute renal failure, the priority intervention is to administer IV fluids (Option A). The rationale behind this is that patients with acute renal failure often experience fluid imbalances, such as dehydration due to decreased urine output. Administering IV fluids helps to maintain adequate hydration, support renal function, and prevent further complications like electrolyte imbalances. Option B, administering IV fluids and electrolytes, may seem like a reasonable choice. However, in this scenario, the priority is to address the immediate need for fluid replacement. Once hydration status is stabilized, electrolyte replacement can be initiated as needed. Monitoring urine output (Option C) is important in the overall management of acute renal failure, but it is not the priority intervention in this case. Administering IV fluids takes precedence to address the immediate fluid imbalance. Administering a platelet inhibitor (Option D) is not indicated in the management of acute renal failure. Platelet inhibitors are used to prevent blood clot formation and are not directly related to the treatment of renal failure. In an educational context, understanding the priority interventions in the care of patients with specific conditions is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. By prioritizing interventions based on the patient's condition and needs, nurses can optimize patient outcomes and prevent complications.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been admitted with increasing dyspnea over the past 3 days. Which finding is important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Respirations are 36 breaths/min. This finding is crucial to report to the healthcare provider because an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) in a patient with COPD experiencing worsening dyspnea could indicate respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure. This rapid breathing may be a compensatory mechanism to maintain oxygen levels, suggesting the need for immediate intervention or adjustment of oxygen therapy. Option B) Anterior-posterior chest ratio is 1:1 is incorrect as it describes a normal chest shape and does not provide relevant information regarding the patient's respiratory status. Option C) Lung expansion is decreased bilaterally could be expected in a patient with COPD due to air trapping and hyperinflation, so it is not as urgent to report compared to the elevated respiratory rate. Option D) Hyperresonance to percussion is present is a typical finding in COPD due to increased air in the lungs, not requiring immediate reporting compared to the high respiratory rate. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing subtle changes in respiratory status in patients with COPD, emphasizing the significance of monitoring respiratory rate as a vital sign and understanding its implications in managing oxygen therapy for these patients effectively. It underscores the need for prompt reporting of concerning signs and symptoms to prevent respiratory decompensation and improve patient outcomes.