ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is choosing a catheter to use to suction a patient's endotracheal tube via an open system. On which variable would the nurse base the size of the chosen catheter?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The size of the endotracheal tube. The nurse should base the size of the chosen catheter on the size of the endotracheal tube to ensure proper suctioning and prevent injury. Using a catheter that is too large can damage the airway, while using one that is too small may not effectively remove secretions. Age, type of secretions, and patient's height and weight do not directly determine the appropriate catheter size for endotracheal suctioning. It is crucial to match the catheter size with the endotracheal tube size for safe and effective suctioning.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient with COPD about the use of a metered-dose inhaler. Which action by the patient indicates a need for further instruction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because exhaling quickly after inhaling the medication can lead to the medication being exhaled before it reaches the lungs. Holding the breath for 5 seconds after inhalation (A) allows the medication to be absorbed. Activating the inhaler during inhalation (B) ensures the medication is properly delivered. Waiting 1 minute between puffs (D) allows for optimal medication absorption.
Question 3 of 5
Which nursing action is most appropriate when caring for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiate oxygen therapy. This is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism because it helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress, which are critical in the management of this condition. Oxygen therapy can help support the patient's respiratory function and prevent hypoxia. Positioning the patient flat in bed (choice A) may worsen respiratory distress due to decreased lung expansion. Chest physiotherapy (choice C) is not recommended as it may dislodge the embolism and worsen the condition. Encouraging ambulation (choice D) can be dangerous as it may lead to dislodgment of the clot and subsequent complications.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding requires the most immediate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Oxygen saturation of 87%. This finding indicates severe hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening in pulmonary embolism. Immediate action is needed to improve oxygenation and prevent further complications. A: Heart rate of 110 bpm and B: Respiratory rate of 30 bpm are concerning but not as immediately life-threatening as severe hypoxemia. D: Crackles heard in bilateral lung bases suggest pulmonary congestion but may not require immediate action compared to severe hypoxemia.
Question 5 of 5
Which finding in a patient with chronic bronchitis requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygen saturation of 85% on room air. In chronic bronchitis, the airways are inflamed, leading to poor oxygen exchange. An oxygen saturation of 85% is dangerously low and indicates severe hypoxemia, requiring immediate intervention to prevent tissue damage and respiratory failure. A: Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is within the normal range and not an immediate concern. C: Frequent productive cough with clear sputum is a common symptom of chronic bronchitis and does not necessitate immediate action. D: Barrel-shaped chest is a long-term consequence of chronic bronchitis due to chronic hyperinflation of the lungs and does not require immediate action.