ATI RN
Oxygenation NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with emphysema. Which physical assessment finding is most characteristic of this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Barrel-shaped chest. Emphysema is characterized by hyperinflation of the lungs, leading to a barrel-shaped chest due to increased lung volume. This results from air trapping and loss of lung elasticity. Dullness to percussion (B) is associated with pleural effusion or consolidation, not emphysema. Increased fremitus (C) is seen in conditions with increased lung density, not in emphysema. Inspiratory crackles (D) are indicative of conditions such as pneumonia or heart failure, not emphysema.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse analyzes the results of a patient's arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which finding would require immediate action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A PaO2 level of 59 mm Hg indicates severe hypoxemia, which requires immediate action to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. Normal PaO2 levels are typically above 80 mm Hg. Low PaO2 can lead to tissue hypoxia and is a critical finding that needs prompt intervention. Choice A (HCO3– of 31 mEq/L) is slightly elevated but does not require immediate action. Choice B (SaO2 of 92%) is within the normal range and does not indicate an urgent issue. Choice C (PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg) is also within the normal range and does not necessitate immediate intervention. In summary, the correct answer is D because a low PaO2 level signifies severe hypoxemia, requiring prompt attention to prevent potential complications.
Question 3 of 5
A patient arrives in the emergency department with a stab wound to the chest. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because taping a nonporous dressing on three sides over the wound creates a flutter valve effect, allowing air to escape but not re-enter, preventing tension pneumothorax. Choice A (keeping the head of the bed flat) may worsen respiratory distress. Choice B (covering the wound tightly with an occlusive dressing) can lead to tension pneumothorax. Choice C (positioning the patient with the left chest dependent) is incorrect and may not address the immediate issue of air escaping from the wound.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with asthma is prescribed salmeterol. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist used for maintenance treatment of asthma, not for acute attacks. Daily use helps prevent asthma symptoms by providing long-term bronchodilation. Choices A and B are incorrect as salmeterol is not for acute attacks or require food with it. Choice D is not necessary for salmeterol, as it does not typically affect pulse rate significantly.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed theophylline. Which finding would be most concerning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A heart rate of 112 bpm is concerning in a patient taking theophylline because it can indicate theophylline toxicity, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, and levels above 20 mcg/mL can be toxic. Nausea, vomiting, and mild hand tremors are common side effects of theophylline but are not typically indicative of toxicity. Monitoring the theophylline level is important, but a level of 15 mcg/mL alone does not indicate toxicity. In summary, the elevated heart rate is the most concerning finding as it suggests potential theophylline toxicity, while the other options are more commonly seen as side effects without indicating toxicity.