ATI RN
Oxygenation NCLEX Questions with Rationale Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with emphysema. Which clinical finding is consistent with this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Barrel-shaped chest. In emphysema, the chronic destruction of alveoli leads to loss of lung elasticity, causing the chest to become hyperinflated and take on a barrel shape. This is due to air trapping in the lungs. A: Frequent productive cough is commonly seen in conditions like chronic bronchitis, not specific to emphysema. B: Cyanosis of lips and fingertips indicates poor oxygenation, which is more commonly associated with conditions like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress. D: Peripheral edema is a sign of fluid retention and heart failure, not typically seen in emphysema.
Question 2 of 5
A client with COPD reports fatigue during activities of daily living. What intervention should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rest between activities to conserve energy. This intervention is appropriate for a client with COPD experiencing fatigue as it helps prevent overexertion and conserves energy. Resting between activities allows the client to pace themselves, reducing the risk of worsening symptoms. Performing all activities in the morning (choice A) may not address the fatigue throughout the day. Using oxygen only during strenuous activities (choice B) does not address the underlying issue of energy conservation. Increasing activity level to build endurance (choice D) may lead to further fatigue and exacerbate symptoms. Overall, choice C is the most suitable intervention for managing fatigue in a client with COPD.
Question 3 of 5
A client recovering from a thoracentesis reports feeling lightheaded and short of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client for signs of pneumothorax. Following a thoracentesis, lightheadedness and shortness of breath could indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication where air accumulates in the pleural space. The priority action is to assess for signs of pneumothorax, such as decreased breath sounds, chest pain, and respiratory distress, as it requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Encouraging slow, deep breaths (A) may worsen a pneumothorax. Administering pain medication (C) is not the priority when respiratory distress is present. Positioning the client flat (D) may exacerbate a pneumothorax.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with sleep apnea. Which symptom is most commonly associated with this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Morning headaches. 1. Sleep apnea causes intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to low oxygen levels and frequent awakenings, resulting in morning headaches. 2. Frequent nighttime urination (B) is not typically associated with sleep apnea. 3. Unexplained weight loss (C) is not a common symptom of sleep apnea. 4. Persistent dry cough (D) is more commonly associated with conditions like asthma or GERD, not sleep apnea.
Question 5 of 5
A client with COPD is prescribed home oxygen therapy. Which teaching point should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid smoking or open flames near oxygen equipment. This is crucial because oxygen supports combustion and can cause fires. Smoking or having open flames near oxygen equipment can lead to serious accidents. A: Using oxygen only when shortness of breath occurs is incorrect because oxygen therapy should be used as prescribed by the healthcare provider, not just when symptoms are present. C: Setting the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min at all times is incorrect because the flow rate should be adjusted based on the client's oxygen saturation levels and prescribed by the healthcare provider. D: Storing oxygen tanks in an enclosed space for safety is incorrect because oxygen tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, to reduce the risk of fire.