ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is admitted with active tuberculosis (TB). The nurse should question a health care provider's order to discontinue airborne precautions unless which assessment finding is documented?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option D) Sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli are negative. This finding is crucial when considering discontinuing airborne precautions for a patient with active tuberculosis. A negative sputum smear indicates a lower risk of transmitting the disease to others through the air, thus justifying the discontinuation of airborne precautions. Option A) Chest x-ray showing no upper lobe infiltrates does not directly relate to the infectiousness of the patient. TB medications being taken for 6 months (option B) is important for treatment but does not determine the need for airborne precautions. Mantoux testing showing an induration of 10 mm (option C) indicates exposure to TB but does not confirm active infection or infectiousness. In an educational context, understanding the criteria for discontinuing airborne precautions in patients with active TB is vital for healthcare providers to prevent the spread of the disease. Negative sputum smears are a key indicator in this decision-making process, as they reflect the presence or absence of infectious bacilli in the respiratory secretions. Healthcare professionals must interpret these findings accurately to ensure appropriate infection control measures are implemented.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who has just been admitted with community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia has a temperature of 101.6°F with a frequent cough and is complaining of severe pleuritic chest pain. Which prescribed medication should the nurse give first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Acetaminophen (Tylenol). The rationale behind this choice is that acetaminophen is indicated for reducing fever and alleviating pain, which are the immediate concerns for the patient with a high fever and severe pleuritic chest pain. It helps in improving the patient's comfort and reducing the inflammatory response associated with pneumonia. Option A) Codeine is a narcotic antitussive used for cough suppression, but in this case, the priority is to address the fever and pain. Option B) Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to promote the clearance of mucus but does not address the patient's immediate symptoms. Option D) Piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, but it is not the first-line intervention for symptomatic relief in this scenario. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses to prioritize interventions based on the patient's presenting symptoms and immediate needs. Understanding the rationale behind each medication choice helps nurses provide effective and evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes in various clinical situations.