ATI RN
NCLEX Questions for Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism for diagnostic tests. Which test should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spiral CT scan. This test is the priority for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it provides quick and accurate visualization of blood flow in the lungs. Chest x-ray (A) may not show definitive signs of embolism. Pulmonary function test (C) measures lung function but does not directly diagnose embolism. Arterial blood gas analysis (D) may show respiratory status but does not confirm the presence of embolism. Spiral CT scan is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism due to its high sensitivity and specificity.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with tuberculosis is started on isoniazid. What should the nurse monitor for?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Isoniazid can lead to peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin B6 deficiency. The nurse should monitor for numbness, tingling, or weakness in extremities. Signs of hepatotoxicity (choice A) are associated with other TB medications. Orange discoloration of body fluids (choice C) is a side effect of rifampin. Changes in visual acuity (choice D) are not typically associated with isoniazid.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a tracheostomy tube exhibits difficulty breathing and thick secretions. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - Perform tracheal suctioning. This action helps clear the thick secretions that are causing difficulty breathing. Tracheal suctioning is necessary for patients with tracheostomy tubes to maintain a clear airway. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing (choice A) may not be effective in clearing thick secretions from the trachea. Administering a bronchodilator (choice C) may help with bronchospasm but does not address the underlying issue of thick secretions. Repositioning the patient (choice D) may provide some relief but does not directly address the problem of airway obstruction due to thick secretions.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber of a chest tube. What does this indicate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the system. When air leaks into the chest tube system, it creates bubbling in the water-seal chamber. This indicates that the system is not airtight, compromising its ability to remove air or fluid from the pleural space effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because continuous bubbling does not indicate proper functioning of the chest tube, presence of a pneumothorax, or high suction pressure.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with pulmonary embolism (PE) is receiving heparin therapy. What lab result should the nurse monitor closely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Monitoring aPTT is crucial for patients on heparin therapy to ensure the therapeutic range is maintained for anticoagulation. A prolonged aPTT indicates the desired anticoagulant effect of heparin. Platelet count (A) is important to monitor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, not routine monitoring. Prothrombin time (PT) (C) and international normalized ratio (INR) (D) are used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin.