ATI RN
Oxygen Therapy NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is admitted with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which assessment finding is most concerning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: SpO2 of 86% despite high-flow oxygen. This finding is most concerning as it indicates severe hypoxemia despite maximal oxygen therapy, which is a critical sign of ARDS. Hypoxemia is the main feature of ARDS and can rapidly lead to organ failure. Choice B (Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute) is within normal range and may not be as concerning in isolation. Choice C (Fine crackles in bilateral lung bases) is common in ARDS but may not necessarily indicate severity. Choice D (Heart rate of 102 beats per minute) is elevated but not as immediately life-threatening as severe hypoxemia.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse prepares to administer antibiotics to a patient with bacterial pneumonia. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because obtaining blood cultures before administering antibiotics helps identify the specific bacteria causing the pneumonia, guiding appropriate antibiotic selection. This step is crucial for targeted treatment and preventing antibiotic resistance. Administering acetaminophen (A) can be done after blood cultures. Performing a respiratory assessment (C) is important but not the first step. Giving antibiotics (D) without blood cultures risks inappropriate treatment.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse prepares a patient for a pulmonary function test. Which instruction is appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because smoking can affect lung function test results. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can cause airway constriction and air sac damage, leading to inaccurate results. Option B is incorrect because bronchodilators can alter test results. Option C is incorrect as fasting may be required to avoid interference from food. Option D is incorrect because the patient should follow specific positioning instructions as lying flat can affect breathing during the test.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with pneumonia is ordered a sputum culture. When should the nurse collect the specimen?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because collecting sputum first thing in the morning before eating or drinking ensures a concentrated sample and reduces contamination. Choice A is incorrect as starting antibiotic therapy may alter the results. Choice C is incorrect as food particles can contaminate the sample. Choice D is incorrect as bronchodilators can affect the sputum consistency.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with a tracheostomy tube cannot cough up secretions effectively. What should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use sterile gloves and perform suctioning. This is the appropriate action to help the patient with a tracheostomy tube who cannot cough up secretions effectively. Suctioning helps clear the airway of secretions and prevents complications such as respiratory distress. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer (A) is not effective in clearing secretions directly. Promoting increased oral fluid intake (B) may not address the immediate need for clearing secretions. Preoxygenating the patient (D) before suctioning is not the next step but rather a precautionary measure during the suctioning process.