ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with pneumonia has crackles and oxygen saturation of 89%. What is the nurse's priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Administer prescribed oxygen therapy. The priority in this situation is to address the decreased oxygen saturation level of 89% in a patient with pneumonia. Oxygen therapy is vital to improve oxygenation and support vital organ functions. Without adequate oxygenation, the patient is at risk of hypoxia, which can lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Option A) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing is important for airway clearance and respiratory function but is not the priority when the patient's oxygen saturation is significantly low. Option C) Notifying the healthcare provider immediately may be necessary but providing oxygen therapy should be the initial nursing intervention to address the immediate oxygenation needs of the patient. Option D) Preparing the patient for a chest x-ray may be indicated to further assess the pneumonia, but addressing the low oxygen saturation level should take precedence to prevent hypoxia and its complications. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing nursing interventions based on the patient's condition. Understanding the critical nature of oxygen therapy in respiratory distress situations is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients with compromised oxygenation.
Question 2 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 3 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 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 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 5 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.