ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse evaluates a patient post-thoracentesis. Which finding requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. An oxygen saturation of 89% on room air indicates hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. This finding suggests inadequate oxygenation and potential respiratory distress. Choice A is within the normal range for respiratory rate. Choice C is expected after thoracentesis. Choice D, although a large amount of drainage, does not indicate an immediate concern for patient safety. In summary, the critical finding is hypoxemia, which necessitates prompt healthcare provider notification to prevent further complications.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with COPD who reports increased shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D. Check the patient's oxygen saturation. Rationale: 1. Check oxygen saturation first to assess patient's oxygen levels. 2. Low oxygen saturation can indicate respiratory distress in COPD. 3. This information guides subsequent interventions. 4. Other choices address symptom management but do not address the immediate need for oxygen assessment.
Question 3 of 5
Which assessment finding in a patient with pneumonia is most concerning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air. This finding is most concerning in a patient with pneumonia because it indicates severe hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Low oxygen saturation levels can be life-threatening and require immediate intervention. Rationale: 1. Oxygen saturation is a direct indicator of how well the lungs are oxygenating the blood. 2. A saturation level of 86% on room air is significantly below the normal range (typically 95-100%). 3. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia, organ dysfunction, and even respiratory failure if left untreated. 4. Prompt oxygen therapy is necessary to improve oxygenation and prevent further complications. Summary: A: Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute - Elevated respiratory rate is common in pneumonia but not as concerning as severe hypoxemia. C: Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) - Fever is a common symptom of pneumonia but
Question 4 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with pneumonia and notes confusion. What is the most likely cause?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoxemia. Confusion in a patient with pneumonia is most likely due to lack of oxygen reaching the brain, which is caused by hypoxemia. When the lungs are infected, they are less able to oxygenate the blood, leading to hypoxemia. High fever (A) may cause delirium but is not the primary reason for confusion in pneumonia. Dehydration (C) can lead to confusion but is less likely in a patient with pneumonia. Sepsis (D) can cause confusion but is usually associated with other symptoms like low blood pressure and organ dysfunction.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected tuberculosis. What is the priority diagnostic test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sputum culture. The priority diagnostic test for suspected tuberculosis is sputum culture because it directly identifies the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This test helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. Chest x-ray (A) is important but may not definitively diagnose TB. Mantoux test (C) checks for exposure but not active infection. Complete blood count (D) can show signs of infection but does not confirm TB.