ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygenation and Perfusion Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with asthma develops wheezing and shortness of breath after using a dry powder inhaler. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler. This is the priority action because wheezing and shortness of breath indicate an exacerbation of asthma, which requires immediate bronchodilation to relieve symptoms. Administering a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler helps open the airways quickly, providing rapid relief. Assessing the peak flow reading (B) can provide valuable information but is not the priority when the patient is experiencing acute symptoms. Encouraging the patient to drink warm fluids (C) may provide comfort but does not address the urgent need for bronchodilation. Notifying the health care provider immediately (D) is important but should not delay the administration of bronchodilator therapy for acute asthma exacerbation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient with asthma about the use of a rescue inhaler. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Taking one puff and waiting 5 minutes before a second puff is incorrect as rescue inhalers are meant for immediate relief during asthma attacks. 2. Choice A is correct as using the inhaler before exercise can prevent exercise-induced symptoms. 3. Choice C is correct as cleaning the mouthpiece prevents clogging and ensures proper functioning. 4. Choice D is correct as using the inhaler when feeling short of breath is the appropriate time for immediate relief.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse observes that a patient with pneumonia has an oxygen saturation of 89%. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening. Step 2: Administering oxygen therapy will help improve oxygenation levels. Step 3: Priority is to address hypoxemia to prevent complications. Step 4: Chest physiotherapy, deep breathing exercises, and sputum sample are not immediate priorities for hypoxemia. Administering oxygen is crucial to address the primary issue.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse teaches a patient about using a peak flow meter. Which statement indicates effective learning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because blowing into the peak flow meter hard and fast ensures an accurate measurement of peak expiratory flow rate. This technique helps assess the severity of asthma and monitor response to treatment. Choice A is incorrect because using the meter before medication may not reflect actual lung function. Choice C is incorrect as inhaling deeply does not measure lung capacity. Choice D is incorrect because peak flow meters are used for proactive monitoring, not just when feeling short of breath.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism. What is the first action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply oxygen via nasal cannula. This is the first action because in a suspected pulmonary embolism, the priority is to optimize oxygenation to prevent hypoxia. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen saturation and tissue perfusion. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) would not address the primary issue of oxygenation. Preparing for a chest x-ray (Choice C) may be necessary but not the initial action. Initiating IV fluids (Choice D) may be needed later but does not directly address the immediate concern of oxygenation in a suspected pulmonary embolism.