ATI RN
Oxygen NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with COPD is prescribed oxygen therapy. What is the most important instruction for the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor oxygen flow rate to ensure it does not exceed the prescribed level. This is crucial because excessive oxygen flow can lead to oxygen toxicity in COPD patients. Monitoring the flow rate ensures the patient receives the right amount of oxygen. A: Using oxygen continuously may not be necessary and can lead to oxygen dependence. C: Increasing oxygen flow during physical activity is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance. D: Removing the nasal cannula during meals can cause a drop in oxygen levels.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber of a chest tube. What is the next step?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct next step is to check for air leaks in the system (Choice C). Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak. By checking for air leaks, the nurse can identify and address the source of the problem, ensuring the chest tube is functioning properly. Clamping the tube (Choice A) can lead to tension pneumothorax. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice B) should be done after assessing and addressing immediate issues. Adding water to the chamber (Choice D) is incorrect as it can disrupt the water seal and lead to further issues.
Question 3 of 5
Which finding in a patient post-thoracentesis requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation of 88%. This finding requires immediate intervention because it indicates significant hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue damage and organ failure if not addressed promptly. Oxygen saturation below 90% is considered critically low and requires urgent attention to prevent complications. Summary: - Choice B: Pain rated 6/10 at the site is significant but does not require immediate intervention compared to hypoxemia. - Choice C: Mild tachypnea while lying flat may indicate a potential issue, but it is not as urgent as severe hypoxemia. - Choice D: Draining 300 mL of pleural fluid is a common outcome of thoracentesis and does not warrant immediate intervention unless other symptoms are present.
Question 4 of 5
A patient reports shortness of breath and left-sided chest pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because assessing oxygen saturation and vital signs is crucial in determining the patient's current status and severity of the symptoms. This step provides immediate information on the patient's respiratory status and guides further interventions. Administering oxygen (A) without assessing the patient's oxygen saturation may not address the underlying issue. While a chest x-ray (C) may be necessary, it is not the immediate priority. Notifying the healthcare provider (D) can be done after assessing the patient's vital signs. Thus, choice B is the priority to ensure prompt and appropriate care for the patient.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with influenza has a persistent high fever and worsening cough. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reassessing lung sounds for signs of pneumonia is crucial in a patient with worsening cough as it can indicate a possible complication of influenza. Pneumonia can lead to respiratory distress and requires immediate intervention. Administering antipyretics (A) may address the fever but does not address the underlying issue. Encouraging increased fluid intake (C) and providing supportive care (D) are important but do not address the immediate risk of pneumonia in this case.