ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygenation and Perfusion Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism. What is the first action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply oxygen via nasal cannula. This is the first action because in a suspected pulmonary embolism, the priority is to optimize oxygenation to prevent hypoxia. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen saturation and tissue perfusion. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) would not address the primary issue of oxygenation. Preparing for a chest x-ray (Choice C) may be necessary but not the initial action. Initiating IV fluids (Choice D) may be needed later but does not directly address the immediate concern of oxygenation in a suspected pulmonary embolism.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse reviews discharge instructions for a patient with newly diagnosed COPD. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because eating smaller meals helps prevent feeling too full, which can worsen breathing difficulties in COPD patients. Step 1: COPD patients often experience shortness of breath, especially when the stomach is full. Step 2: Eating smaller meals can help reduce the pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, making breathing easier. Step 3: This demonstrates the patient's understanding of how diet can impact their respiratory symptoms. Incorrect choices: A: Avoiding physical activity can lead to physical deconditioning, worsening COPD symptoms. C: Using a rescue inhaler before meals is not a standard practice for COPD management. D: Increasing oxygen flow rate without medical guidance can be dangerous and ineffective in managing COPD.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with asthma is prescribed salmeterol. What is the nurse's priority teaching point?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist that needs to be taken regularly, twice a day, to control asthma symptoms effectively. This teaching point is crucial for the patient to understand the importance of adherence to the medication regimen. Choice A is incorrect because salmeterol is not a rescue inhaler for immediate relief during an asthma attack. Choice C is incorrect as salmeterol does not require shaking before use. Choice D is incorrect because rinsing the mouth after inhaling is typically advised for corticosteroid inhalers to prevent oral thrush, not for salmeterol.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress. What assessment finding is the priority to report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air. This is the priority finding to report because it indicates severe hypoxemia, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent tissue damage and organ failure. Oxygen saturation should ideally be above 90%. Choice B (Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute) is important but not as critical as severe hypoxemia. Choice C (Heart rate of 102 beats per minute) may be a compensatory response to hypoxemia, and while important, it is not as urgent as addressing the low oxygen saturation. Choice D (Blood pressure of 140/92 mm Hg) is within normal range and does not indicate immediate danger compared to severe hypoxemia.
Question 5 of 5
The health care provider writes an order for bacteriologic testing for a patient who has a positive tuberculosis skin test. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because bacteriologic testing for tuberculosis involves blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. The nurse should teach the patient about the reason for these blood tests to ensure understanding and cooperation. Option B is incorrect because a chest x-ray is not the appropriate test for bacteriologic testing. Option C is incorrect as it refers to collecting specimens for other types of tests, not bacteriologic testing. Option D is incorrect because sputum specimens are not typically used for bacteriologic testing for tuberculosis.