ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client on a cardiopulmonary unit. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because dyspnea indicates difficulty breathing, which could be a sign of impending respiratory distress or heart failure in a cardiopulmonary unit. This requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications. A: Teaching about a new medication can be scheduled later. C: A new diagnosis of aortic valve stenosis requires urgent attention but not as immediate as a client with dyspnea. D: An asthma client being discharged can be seen after addressing the client with dyspnea.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with increased dyspnea. Which laboratory test result requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: PaO2 of 55 mmHg. In a client with COPD and increased dyspnea, a low PaO2 indicates hypoxemia, which can lead to respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is needed to improve oxygenation and prevent complications. Option A is within normal range for hemoglobin. Option C shows a normal pH level, indicating no immediate acid-base imbalance. Option D reveals a normal HCO3 level, suggesting no immediate metabolic imbalance. Therefore, the critical issue in this scenario is the low PaO2 level, requiring prompt attention.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client post-lobectomy. What is the most important nursing action to prevent complications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging frequent use of the incentive spirometer. Post-lobectomy, the risk of atelectasis is high due to decreased lung capacity. Incentive spirometer helps prevent this by promoting deep breathing and lung expansion. Administering analgesics (A) is important, but not the most crucial. Limiting fluid intake (C) is incorrect as hydration is essential post-surgery. Positioning the client on the operative side (D) can hinder lung expansion.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with pneumothorax who has a chest tube. What intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Keeping the drainage system below the chest level. This is crucial to ensure proper drainage and prevent air from entering the pleural space. Placing the system below the chest level allows gravity to assist in drainage. Choice A is incorrect because ambulation may increase the risk of dislodging the chest tube. Choice B is incorrect as clamping the chest tube can lead to tension pneumothorax. Choice D is incorrect as changing the chest tube dressing daily is not a priority over maintaining proper positioning of the drainage system.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat small, frequent meals to reduce fatigue. For a client with COPD, consuming small, frequent meals helps reduce the energy expenditure required for digestion, thereby reducing fatigue. This approach also prevents overeating, which can lead to increased breathlessness. Option A is incorrect because high-carbohydrate meals may lead to excess energy intake and contribute to weight gain, which can exacerbate COPD symptoms. Option C is incorrect as protein is essential for muscle strength and repair, especially important for individuals with COPD who may experience muscle wasting. Option D is incorrect as there is no direct evidence linking dairy consumption to increased mucus production in individuals with COPD.