ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was hospitalized for increasing shortness of breath and chronic hypoxemia (SaO2 levels of 89% to 90%). In planning for discharge, which action by the nurse will be most effective in improving compliance with discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is option C, "I've been sitting in a chair to rest rather than lying down." This option demonstrates an understanding of the importance of positioning in COPD patients to optimize ventilation-perfusion matching and improve oxygenation. In COPD, patients often have difficulty with oxygen exchange due to airway obstruction and impaired gas exchange, so sitting in a chair helps to maximize lung expansion and improve oxygen saturation levels. This response shows insight into self-management strategies that can positively impact the patient's condition post-discharge. Option A, "I've been using my albuterol inhaler more frequently over the last 4 days," is incorrect because increased albuterol use may indicate worsening symptoms but does not address the specific discharge teaching related to oxygen therapy and positioning. Option B, "I've been taking Tylenol 650 mg every 6 hours for chest wall pain," is incorrect as it does not address oxygen therapy or positioning, which are crucial aspects of managing COPD and improving oxygen levels in the blood. Option D, "I've been using my albuterol inhaler more frequently over the last 4 days," is a duplicate of option A and does not provide a relevant response to the discharge teaching scenario presented. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the rationale behind discharge teaching in patients with COPD, emphasizing the significance of positioning in optimizing oxygenation and enhancing patient compliance with self-care strategies to manage their condition effectively. It underscores the need for nurses to provide tailored education that addresses the specific needs of COPD patients to promote positive health outcomes post-hospitalization.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention for a patient with a history of asthma experiencing shortness of breath is to administer a bronchodilator (Option A). The rationale behind this is that a bronchodilator works quickly to open up the airways, providing immediate relief for the patient's breathing difficulty. This is crucial in managing an acute asthma exacerbation and should be the first-line intervention to improve the patient's respiratory status. Administering a nebulized bronchodilator (Option B) is a valid intervention as well, but it may take slightly longer to take effect compared to a directly administered bronchodilator. Corticosteroids (Options C and D) are important in managing asthma exacerbations to reduce airway inflammation, but they are not the initial priority in addressing acute shortness of breath. Educationally, understanding the hierarchy of interventions in managing asthma exacerbations is crucial for nurses to provide timely and effective care to patients. Recognizing the need for prompt bronchodilator administration can significantly impact patient outcomes and prevent further respiratory distress.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with pneumonia has a fever of 101.4° F (38.6° C), a nonproductive cough, and an O2 saturation of 88%. The patient complains of weakness, fatigue, and needs assistance to get out of bed. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse assign as the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Impaired gas exchange related to respiratory congestion. In this scenario, the patient's low O2 saturation of 88% indicates inadequate gas exchange, which is a critical issue in pneumonia. Impaired gas exchange can lead to hypoxemia, causing further complications like organ dysfunction. Addressing this nursing diagnosis is crucial to improve the patient's oxygenation levels and overall condition. Option A) Hyperthermia related to infectious illness is not the priority as the patient's fever, while significant, is not immediately life-threatening and can be managed with antipyretics. Option B) Impaired transfer ability related to weakness is important, but addressing the patient's oxygenation takes precedence to prevent serious complications. Option C) Ineffective airway clearance related to thick secretions is a concern in pneumonia but does not directly address the urgent need for improved gas exchange in this case. Educationally, understanding the priority of nursing diagnoses based on the patient's condition is crucial in providing effective care. Recognizing the most critical issue and addressing it promptly can significantly impact patient outcomes in acute situations like pneumonia. Prioritizing care based on physiological needs is a fundamental skill for nurses to ensure the best possible patient care.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient with asthma experiencing shortness of breath, the priority nursing action is to administer a bronchodilator (Option A). This is because bronchodilators help to dilate the airways, allowing for easier breathing and improved oxygenation, which is crucial in managing an acute asthma exacerbation and addressing the immediate issue of shortness of breath. Administering corticosteroids (Option B) is important in the management of asthma to reduce airway inflammation; however, it is not the priority in this acute situation where the focus is on relieving the patient's immediate respiratory distress. Administering pain medication (Option C) and morphine (Option D) are not appropriate actions in this scenario as they do not address the underlying cause of the shortness of breath in a patient with asthma. Educationally, understanding the prioritization of interventions based on the patient's condition is crucial for nursing practice. By prioritizing the administration of a bronchodilator in this case, the nurse is addressing the most urgent need of the patient and working towards stabilizing their respiratory status.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing an asthma attack. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient experiencing an asthma attack, administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention. Asthma attacks are characterized by airway constriction and inflammation, leading to difficulty breathing. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe. Administering a bronchodilator promptly can help alleviate the symptoms and improve the patient's oxygenation. Option B, administering a nebulized bronchodilator, is similar to the correct answer but specifies the route of administration. While nebulized bronchodilators can be effective, the priority in this scenario is to quickly deliver the medication to the patient to provide immediate relief. Option C, administering a bronchodilator, is a duplicate of option A, and therefore is not the best choice for the priority intervention. Option D, encouraging early ambulation, is not appropriate during an asthma attack as it may exacerbate the patient's breathing difficulties. Early ambulation is not indicated until the patient's respiratory distress is resolved. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to prioritize interventions based on the patient's condition and the urgency of the situation. Understanding the pathophysiology of asthma and the mechanism of action of bronchodilators is essential in providing effective care to patients experiencing respiratory distress. Prompt and accurate intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes in such critical situations.