ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has had a head injury affecting the brainstem. What is located in the brainstem that may affect respiratory function?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The respiratory center, located in the brainstem (medulla oblongata and pons), regulates breathing. A head injury affecting this area can impair respiratory function.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crackles in the lungs. Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs and resulting in crackles upon auscultation. Edema of the lower extremities (B) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure. A rapid, irregular heart rate (C) may indicate atrial fibrillation but is not specific to left-sided heart failure. A systolic murmur (D) is not typically associated with left-sided heart failure but may indicate valvular heart disease.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse would expect which change in cardiac output for a patient with fluid volume overload?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased preload. Fluid volume overload increases the volume of blood in the heart chambers, leading to increased stretching of the heart muscle fibers (preload). This results in an increase in cardiac output. B: Decreased afterload is not expected with fluid volume overload as afterload refers to the resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood. C: Decreased tissue perfusion is not directly related to fluid volume overload, as it is more indicative of inadequate blood flow to tissues. D: Increased heart rate is not a direct effect of fluid volume overload but may occur as a compensatory mechanism in some cases.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The nurse has completed the assessment for a client in the clinic with a diagnosis of chronic asthma. What would be the priority goal the nurse should discuss with the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Recognizing triggers that cause asthma attacks. This is the priority goal because identifying triggers helps the client avoid or minimize asthma attacks, leading to better management of the condition. By recognizing triggers, the client can take proactive measures to prevent exacerbations. Choices A, B, and D are important aspects of asthma management, but recognizing triggers is crucial for preventing asthma attacks and improving overall quality of life. Maintaining a regular exercise routine (A) can be beneficial but may not be the priority if triggers are not controlled. Complying with medication instructions (B) is important for treatment adherence, but identifying triggers can help reduce the need for rescue medications. Understanding physical limitations (D) is important for self-management, but recognizing triggers is more directly related to preventing asthma exacerbations.