ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with an acute asthma exacerbation is using a peak flow meter. The reading is in the yellow zone. What is the nurse's best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Administer a prescribed rescue inhaler. During an acute asthma exacerbation, when the peak flow meter reading falls into the yellow zone, it indicates a significant decline in lung function and potential airway constriction. Administering a rescue inhaler, usually containing a bronchodilator such as albuterol, helps to quickly open up the airways, providing prompt relief and improving airflow. Option A is incorrect because simply encouraging the patient to rest and retrying in 15 minutes could lead to a delay in administering necessary medication, risking further deterioration of the patient's condition. Option C is incorrect because while contacting the healthcare provider is important, immediate intervention in the form of the rescue inhaler is crucial for addressing the acute symptoms and preventing escalation. Option D is incorrect as increasing the oxygen flow rate is not the recommended initial action for an asthma exacerbation. Oxygen therapy may be considered later if the patient's oxygen saturation drops, but the priority in this case is to address the bronchoconstriction with a rescue inhaler. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to understand the appropriate interventions for managing acute asthma exacerbations based on peak flow meter readings. Prompt recognition of the yellow zone and timely administration of a rescue inhaler can help prevent respiratory distress and improve patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
A patient on heparin therapy for pulmonary embolism reports severe chest pain and shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C) Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation. This choice is the most appropriate initial action because the patient is experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath, which could indicate a potential deterioration in their respiratory status. Assessing vital signs and oxygen saturation will provide crucial information about the patient's current physiological status and help the nurse determine the severity of the situation. Option A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately is not the first action to take because immediate assessment and intervention are needed to address the patient's symptoms. Option B) Administer a prescribed analgesic is also not the most appropriate initial action as pain management should come after assessing the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation. Option D) Reassure the patient and monitor closely is not the best choice as the patient's symptoms require immediate assessment and intervention. From an educational perspective, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing actions in emergency situations. It emphasizes the significance of rapid assessment and critical thinking in determining the appropriate course of action to ensure patient safety and well-being. Nurses need to be able to quickly identify and respond to changes in a patient's condition to provide timely and effective care.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C) Provide education about a healthy diet. The rationale behind this choice is that hypertension is often influenced by lifestyle factors, including diet. Educating the patient about maintaining a healthy diet can help control blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension. Option A) Increase the patient's antihypertensive medication is incorrect because it is not the first-line intervention. Simply adjusting medication without addressing lifestyle factors may not effectively manage hypertension. Option B) Administer antihypertensive medication as prescribed is also not the priority in this case as the question is asking for the first action to take, which should focus on non-pharmacological interventions. Option D) Administer a laxative is unrelated to the management of hypertension and would not be a priority in this situation. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of holistic care and the role of non-pharmacological interventions in managing hypertension. Nurses need to prioritize patient education and lifestyle modifications as part of a comprehensive approach to managing chronic conditions like hypertension.
Question 5 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.