ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse notes that a patient has incisional pain, a poor cough effort, and scattered coarse crackles after a thoracotomy. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Positioning only on the right side. This is the first action the nurse should take because it helps improve ventilation-perfusion matching and oxygenation post-thoracotomy. By positioning the patient on the right side, gravity helps to optimize lung expansion on the unaffected side, improving gas exchange. Option A may be uncomfortable for the patient and not directly address the underlying issue. Option B is important but not the first priority in this scenario. Option D is also essential but positioning on the right side takes precedence in addressing the patient's immediate needs.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma who is complaining of chest tightness and wheezing. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider. The priority intervention is to inform the healthcare provider because the patient is experiencing worsening symptoms of asthma, which may require immediate medical attention or a change in treatment plan. Administering a bronchodilator (choice A) can help relieve symptoms, but it is not the priority when the patient's condition is deteriorating. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice C) may not be effective in managing acute asthma exacerbation. Administering a sedative (choice D) is not appropriate and can worsen respiratory distress. Overall, notifying the healthcare provider ensures timely assessment and appropriate intervention for the patient's worsening condition.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a bronchodilator. This is the priority intervention because bronchodilators help to quickly open up the airways in asthma patients, providing immediate relief from symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. Administering a bronchodilator first is crucial in managing an acute asthma attack. Corticosteroids (choices B and C) are used for long-term management and take longer to have an effect. Antibiotics (choice D) are not indicated for asthma unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present. Therefore, the priority is to administer a bronchodilator for rapid relief of asthma symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing chest pain and has a history of myocardial infarction (MI). What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the first-line medication for chest pain related to myocardial infarction as it helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Administering nitroglycerin promptly can help relieve chest pain and prevent further damage to the heart. Summary of other choices: B: Administer beta-blockers - Beta-blockers may be used later to stabilize the heart rate and blood pressure but are not the priority in the acute phase of MI. C: Administer oxygen and monitor - Administering oxygen is important, but nitroglycerin takes precedence in relieving chest pain and improving blood flow. D: Administer analgesics - While analgesics may help with pain relief, nitroglycerin is specifically indicated for chest pain related to MI and should be given first.