ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding requires the most immediate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Oxygen saturation of 87%. This finding indicates severe hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening in pulmonary embolism. Immediate action is needed to improve oxygenation and prevent further complications. A: Heart rate of 110 bpm and B: Respiratory rate of 30 bpm are concerning but not as immediately life-threatening as severe hypoxemia. D: Crackles heard in bilateral lung bases suggest pulmonary congestion but may not require immediate action compared to severe hypoxemia.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Albuterol. During an acute asthma attack, a short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol is the first-line treatment to quickly open up the airways, relieve bronchospasm, and improve breathing. Albuterol acts rapidly to provide immediate relief of symptoms. Montelukast (A) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term asthma control. Salmeterol (B) is a long-acting bronchodilator used for maintenance therapy, not for acute attacks. Ipratropium (D) is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is used as an adjunctive therapy but not typically first-line for acute exacerbations.
Question 3 of 5
A patient presents with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary embolism. This is suspected in a patient with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain due to a blood clot blocking blood flow in the lungs. Pneumonia (A) presents with cough and fever. Asthma exacerbation (C) presents with wheezing and cough. Bronchitis (D) presents with productive cough and chest discomfort. Pulmonary embolism is the most critical condition to consider in a patient with sudden-onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain.
Question 4 of 5
Which patient requires the nurse's immediate attention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a patient with asthma using accessory muscles to breathe indicates severe respiratory distress and imminent respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent further complications. Choice A is incorrect because mild dyspnea in a patient with chronic bronchitis may not warrant immediate attention. Choice B is incorrect because although an oxygen saturation of 88% is concerning, it may not always require immediate attention compared to a patient in severe distress like in Choice C. Choice D is incorrect as mild discomfort at the chest tube site may not be as urgent as a patient in respiratory distress.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with severe respiratory distress has a PaO2 of 48 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen therapy immediately. In severe respiratory distress with a PaO2 of 48 mm Hg, the priority is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy will help increase the PaO2 levels quickly, improving oxygen delivery to vital organs. Positioning the patient in high Fowler's (B) can help with breathing but does not address the immediate need for oxygen. Intubation (C) may be necessary but is not the first step. Notifying the healthcare provider (D) can cause delays in providing essential oxygen therapy.