ATI RN
Oxygenation NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with chronic bronchitis reports difficulty sleeping due to nighttime coughing. What is the nurse's best recommendation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sleep with an extra pillow to elevate the head. Elevating the head can help reduce nighttime coughing by promoting better drainage of mucus and easing breathing. This position can also decrease the likelihood of reflux, which can worsen coughing. Option A (using a humidifier) may help with dry air but won't directly address the cough. Option B (increasing fluid intake) may worsen coughing by increasing the need to urinate. Option C (cough suppressant) should be used cautiously in chronic bronchitis as it can hinder mucus clearance.
Question 2 of 5
How should a nurse position a patient for a thoracentesis with a left-sided pleural effusion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, sitting upright with arms supported on an over-bed table. This position allows for better visualization of the thoracentesis site, facilitates proper needle insertion, and minimizes the risk of complications such as pneumothorax. High-Fowler's position with the left arm extended (choice A) may not provide adequate access to the pleural effusion. Supine with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees (choice C) may not allow for proper drainage and visualization. Lying on the right side with the left arm elevated (choice D) is incorrect as it does not facilitate proper access to the pleural effusion site.
Question 3 of 5
A patient recovering from a thoracotomy has no chest tube drainage for 2 hours. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the chest tube for kinks or obstructions. This is the first step because if there are any kinks or obstructions in the chest tube, it could lead to inadequate drainage and potentially cause complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Repositioning the patient (choice A) may be necessary after ensuring the chest tube is functioning properly. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice C) should be done after assessing the chest tube. Increasing suction pressure (choice D) without assessing for kinks or obstructions may worsen the situation.
Question 4 of 5
A patient reports severe chest pain and difficulty breathing after a thoracentesis. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because reassessing vital signs and oxygen saturation is crucial to determine the patient's current status and the severity of the symptoms. This step allows the nurse to quickly identify any potential complications or deterioration in the patient's condition. Administering analgesic (choice A) may temporarily alleviate pain but does not address the underlying issue. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice B) is important but should not delay immediate assessment and intervention. Positioning the patient on the affected side (choice D) is not appropriate in this scenario and may worsen the symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with acute asthma exacerbation reports worsening symptoms despite frequent inhaler use. What should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Reassess the patient's peak expiratory flow) Rationale: Reassessing the peak expiratory flow is crucial to determine the severity of the asthma exacerbation and guide further treatment. It helps assess lung function and response to therapy, aiding in adjusting the treatment plan promptly. This step is essential in managing acute asthma exacerbations effectively. Administering systemic corticosteroids (choice A) is important but should follow proper assessment. Teaching about triggers (choice C) is beneficial but not the priority during an exacerbation. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after reassessment.