ATI RN
Oxygen Therapy Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young adult patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) is admitted to the hospital with increased dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention for a young adult patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) experiencing increased dyspnea is option D) Instruct the patient about pancreatic enzyme replacements. This is the correct choice because CF is a genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the pancreas. Patients with CF often have pancreatic insufficiency, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Pancreatic enzyme replacements help these patients digest and absorb essential nutrients from food, improving overall health and respiratory function. Option A) Schedule a sweat chloride test is incorrect because this test is used to diagnose CF, not to address acute symptoms like increased dyspnea. Option B) Arrange for a hospice nurse visit is also incorrect as it is not appropriate for a young adult with CF who is experiencing increased dyspnea. Option C) Perform chest physiotherapy every 4 hours is not the priority intervention in this case, as addressing pancreatic insufficiency and ensuring proper nutrition is crucial for managing CF-related symptoms and preventing complications. Educationally, understanding the multi-system nature of CF is essential for nurses caring for these patients. It is important to prioritize interventions that address specific CF-related issues, such as pancreatic insufficiency, to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life. Providing education and support on pancreatic enzyme replacements empowers patients to manage their condition effectively and improve their overall health.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of stroke. The patient is complaining of sudden weakness in the right arm. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Perform a neurological exam. The priority action when a patient with a history of stroke complains of sudden weakness in the right arm is to assess the patient's neurological status to quickly determine if this weakness is indicative of a new stroke or worsening condition. Performing a neurological exam allows the nurse to assess for signs of a stroke, such as changes in motor strength, sensation, coordination, and speech. Early detection and intervention are crucial in stroke management to prevent further damage and improve outcomes. Administering morphine (option B) without assessing the patient's neurological status can mask symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Reassuring the patient (option C) is important for emotional support but should not take precedence over a neurological assessment in this critical situation. Administering IV fluids (option D) is not the priority when a patient is presenting with potential stroke symptoms. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of prompt assessment and critical thinking in nursing practice, especially in situations where time is of the essence, such as when caring for patients with a history of stroke. Nurses must be able to prioritize actions based on the patient's condition and provide timely and appropriate interventions to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patient is experiencing difficulty breathing. What is the priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In caring for a patient with COPD experiencing difficulty breathing, the priority intervention is to administer a nebulized bronchodilator (Option A). This is because bronchodilators help dilate the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe by reducing bronchoconstriction and improving airflow. In COPD, bronchodilators are essential to relieve symptoms and improve lung function quickly during exacerbations. Administering corticosteroids (Options B and D) may be necessary in some cases to reduce airway inflammation in COPD, but they are not the priority intervention for acute breathing difficulty. Corticosteroids take longer to have an effect compared to bronchodilators. Administering sublingual nitroglycerin (Option C) is not appropriate for a patient with COPD experiencing difficulty breathing, as nitroglycerin is primarily used for cardiac-related chest pain due to its vasodilatory effects on coronary arteries. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind prioritizing interventions in COPD exacerbations is crucial for nursing practice. Nurses must be able to quickly assess and implement the most effective interventions to improve patient outcomes in acute respiratory distress situations. Prioritizing bronchodilator administration aligns with evidence-based practice guidelines for managing COPD exacerbations.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been admitted with increasing dyspnea over the past 3 days. Which finding is important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Respirations are 36 breaths/min. This finding is crucial to report to the healthcare provider because an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) in a patient with COPD experiencing worsening dyspnea could indicate respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure. This rapid breathing may be a compensatory mechanism to maintain oxygen levels, suggesting the need for immediate intervention or adjustment of oxygen therapy. Option B) Anterior-posterior chest ratio is 1:1 is incorrect as it describes a normal chest shape and does not provide relevant information regarding the patient's respiratory status. Option C) Lung expansion is decreased bilaterally could be expected in a patient with COPD due to air trapping and hyperinflation, so it is not as urgent to report compared to the elevated respiratory rate. Option D) Hyperresonance to percussion is present is a typical finding in COPD due to increased air in the lungs, not requiring immediate reporting compared to the high respiratory rate. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing subtle changes in respiratory status in patients with COPD, emphasizing the significance of monitoring respiratory rate as a vital sign and understanding its implications in managing oxygen therapy for these patients effectively. It underscores the need for prompt reporting of concerning signs and symptoms to prevent respiratory decompensation and improve patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has acute pharyngitis caused by Candida albicans. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Teach the patient to 'swish and swallow' prescribed oral nystatin. Rationale: Oral thrush caused by Candida albicans is a fungal infection that commonly affects the mouth and throat. Nystatin is an antifungal medication used to treat such infections. Teaching the patient to 'swish and swallow' the prescribed oral nystatin is crucial as it helps ensure proper coverage of the affected areas in the mouth and throat, promoting effective treatment. Option A) Assess patient for allergies to penicillin antibiotics is incorrect because penicillin allergies are not directly related to the treatment of oral thrush caused by Candida albicans. Option B) Teach the patient to sleep in a warm, dry environment is incorrect as environmental factors like temperature and humidity do not directly impact the treatment of oral thrush. Option C) Avoid giving the patient warm food or warm liquids to drink is incorrect as there is no evidence to support restricting warm food or liquids in the treatment of oral thrush. Educational Context: Educating patients on the correct administration of prescribed medications is essential for their effective treatment and recovery. In the case of oral thrush, proper use of oral nystatin can help alleviate symptoms and eradicate the fungal infection. Nurses play a vital role in patient education to ensure compliance with treatment plans and improve health outcomes.