ATI RN
Oxygen Cycle Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
In what age group would a nurse expect to assess the most rapid respiratory rate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infants have the highest respiratory rate (30-60 breaths/min) due to their smaller lung capacity and higher metabolic demand.
Question 2 of 5
Chemical receptors that stimulate inspiration are located in the
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Brain. Chemical receptors that stimulate inspiration are located in the brain, specifically in the medulla oblongata and pons in the brainstem. These receptors detect changes in blood gas levels, primarily an increase in CO2 levels, triggering the breathing response to inhale more oxygen and exhale CO2. The brain sends signals to the respiratory muscles to initiate inspiration. Summary of other choices: B: Lungs - While the lungs are responsible for gas exchange, they do not contain chemical receptors that directly stimulate inspiration. C: Aorta - The aorta is a large blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart, it does not contain receptors that regulate breathing. D: Stomach - The stomach is involved in digestion and has no role in regulating respiration.
Question 3 of 5
Which nursing diagnosis is the priority for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Impaired gas exchange, as it is a priority for this patient. Impaired gas exchange indicates potential respiratory compromise, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Addressing gas exchange issues is crucial for maintaining oxygenation and preventing further complications. Activity intolerance (A) may be a concern but is secondary to gas exchange. Risk for skin breakdown (B) and risk for infection (D) are important but not as urgent as addressing impaired gas exchange in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Arterial blood gas levels. Monitoring arterial blood gas levels is crucial in assessing the client's oxygenation and ventilation status, which are directly affected by mechanical ventilation. It provides important information about the client's acid-base balance and respiratory function. This assessment helps the nurse make timely interventions to optimize ventilation support. Choice A: Skin integrity is important but not the priority when the client's respiratory status is unstable. Choice B: Blood pressure is important but not as critical as assessing oxygenation and ventilation status in a client on mechanical ventilation. Choice D: Fluid balance is important, but monitoring arterial blood gas levels takes precedence in this scenario as it directly reflects the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation.
Question 5 of 5
A patient presents with a sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer oxygen via nasal cannula. Oxygen therapy is the priority action for a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation and decrease the workload on the heart. This helps in maintaining adequate oxygen levels and preventing hypoxia. Administering a bronchodilator (choice A) is not the priority as pulmonary embolism is not primarily a result of bronchoconstriction. Placing the patient in high Fowler's position (choice B) may help with breathing but is not as crucial as providing oxygen therapy. Preparing the patient for a chest X-ray (choice D) may be necessary for further evaluation, but oxygen therapy takes precedence in managing the acute respiratory distress associated with pulmonary embolism.