ATI RN
Oxygen Therapy NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer a sedative. During hypoglycemia, the brain is deprived of glucose, leading to confusion and potential loss of consciousness. Administering a sedative can help calm the patient and prevent injury from agitation. Administering glucose (A) or insulin (B) would worsen the hypoglycemia. Administering an inhaler (C) is not relevant to treating hypoglycemia.
Question 2 of 5
A patient arrives in the ear, nose, and throat clinic complaining of a piece of tissue being 'stuck up my nose' and with foul-smelling nasal drainage from the right nare. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take first is to notify the clinic healthcare provider (Option A). This is the most appropriate course of action because a foreign body in the nose requires prompt and specialized intervention by a healthcare provider. The provider will have the necessary tools and expertise to safely remove the foreign object without causing harm to the patient. Option B, obtaining aerobic culture specimens of the drainage, is not the priority in this situation as the immediate concern is the removal of the foreign body. Culturing the drainage can be done later if deemed necessary by the healthcare provider. Option C, asking the patient about how the cotton got into the nose, is also not the most urgent action to take. While obtaining a history is important, the immediate focus should be on ensuring the safe removal of the foreign body. Option D, having the patient occlude the left nare and blow the nose, is contraindicated in this case as it can potentially push the foreign body further into the nasal passage, leading to complications. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing interventions based on the urgency and severity of the situation. It emphasizes the need for nurses to recognize when a situation requires immediate provider intervention and to act promptly to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse monitors a patient in the emergency department after chest tube placement for a hemopneumothorax. The nurse is most concerned if which assessment finding is observed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) A large air leak in the water-seal chamber. This finding is of most concern because it suggests a persistent pneumothorax or malfunction of the chest tube, which can lead to inadequate lung re-expansion and potential respiratory compromise. Addressing this issue promptly is critical to prevent complications such as tension pneumothorax. Option B) 400 mL of blood in the collection chamber is not as concerning as an air leak because it indicates ongoing drainage of blood from the pleural space, which is expected after chest tube placement for a hemopneumothorax. Option C) Complaint of pain with each deep inspiration is a common finding post chest tube insertion and may indicate irritation of the pleura or chest wall. While this symptom should be managed, it is not as urgent as addressing an air leak. Option D) Subcutaneous emphysema at the insertion site can occur due to air tracking along tissue planes and is a common benign finding after chest tube placement. It is not as concerning as a large air leak that could compromise respiratory function. In an educational context, understanding the significance of monitoring chest tube drainage systems and recognizing concerning assessment findings is crucial for nurses caring for patients with chest tubes. Prompt identification and management of complications can prevent serious respiratory compromise and improve patient outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Which action by the nurse will be most effective in decreasing the spread of pertussis in a community setting?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of decreasing the spread of pertussis in a community setting, the most effective action by the nurse is option C, which is teaching patients about the need for adult pertussis immunizations. This is the correct answer because adult pertussis boosters (Tdap) help prevent transmission of the disease, addressing the root cause of community spread. By educating patients about the importance of adult pertussis immunizations, the nurse is not only protecting the individual from contracting the disease but also contributing to community immunity. Option A, providing supportive care to patients diagnosed with pertussis, is not the most effective in decreasing the spread of the disease because it focuses on treatment rather than prevention. Option B, teaching family members about the need for careful hand washing, while important for general infection control, may not be as effective in preventing the spread of pertussis compared to immunization. Option D, encouraging patients to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics, is also essential in treating pertussis but does not directly address preventing the spread of the disease in a community setting. From an educational perspective, understanding the importance of immunizations in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like pertussis is crucial for healthcare professionals. By recognizing the role of vaccination in public health and educating patients about the benefits of immunizations, nurses can actively contribute to reducing the incidence of preventable diseases within communities. This knowledge empowers nurses to advocate for vaccination programs and provide evidence-based information to promote better health outcomes at both individual and population levels.
Question 5 of 5
A patient hospitalized with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged home on O₂ therapy. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct answer because it provides accurate information regarding the benefits of oxygen therapy for patients with COPD. Educating the patient that O₂ use can improve prognosis and enhance quality of life is crucial for promoting adherence to the prescribed therapy. This information empowers the patient to understand the importance of compliance and fosters positive health outcomes. Option A is incorrect because it is overly restrictive and may lead to misconceptions about O₂ therapy. Travel is possible with O₂ devices, and patients should be encouraged to continue their activities while using oxygen, with appropriate precautions in place. Option B is incorrect as it suggests increasing O₂ flow without any specific guidance or monitoring, which can be dangerous and potentially lead to oxygen toxicity. Adjusting oxygen flow should only be done under healthcare provider guidance. Option D is incorrect as it provides outdated and inaccurate information about the storage of oxygen. Oxygen tanks come in various sizes and durations, and they do not necessarily require large metal tanks that last for a specific duration. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind each answer option helps reinforce the importance of accurate and up-to-date information in patient education. It emphasizes the need for nurses to provide clear and evidence-based instructions to patients to ensure safe and effective self-management of their condition.