ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse observes a student nurse caring for a patient with active tuberculosis (TB). Which action, if performed by the student nurse, would require an intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because wearing a surgical face mask before visiting a patient with active TB is incorrect. The proper personal protective equipment for TB includes an N95 respirator to prevent transmission. Option A is correct as providing a tissue does not pose a risk. Option C is fine as long as the snack is not consumed in the patient's room. Option D is also correct as hand washing is a standard precaution. Therefore, wearing a surgical face mask is the only incorrect action that requires intervention.
Question 2 of 5
Which nursing action is most appropriate when caring for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiate oxygen therapy. This is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism because it helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress, which are critical in the management of this condition. Oxygen therapy can help support the patient's respiratory function and prevent hypoxia. Positioning the patient flat in bed (choice A) may worsen respiratory distress due to decreased lung expansion. Chest physiotherapy (choice C) is not recommended as it may dislodge the embolism and worsen the condition. Encouraging ambulation (choice D) can be dangerous as it may lead to dislodgment of the clot and subsequent complications.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding requires the most immediate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Oxygen saturation of 87%. This finding indicates severe hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening in pulmonary embolism. Immediate action is needed to improve oxygenation and prevent further complications. A: Heart rate of 110 bpm and B: Respiratory rate of 30 bpm are concerning but not as immediately life-threatening as severe hypoxemia. D: Crackles heard in bilateral lung bases suggest pulmonary congestion but may not require immediate action compared to severe hypoxemia.
Question 4 of 5
Which finding in a patient with chronic bronchitis requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygen saturation of 85% on room air. In chronic bronchitis, the airways are inflamed, leading to poor oxygen exchange. An oxygen saturation of 85% is dangerously low and indicates severe hypoxemia, requiring immediate intervention to prevent tissue damage and respiratory failure. A: Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is within the normal range and not an immediate concern. C: Frequent productive cough with clear sputum is a common symptom of chronic bronchitis and does not necessitate immediate action. D: Barrel-shaped chest is a long-term consequence of chronic bronchitis due to chronic hyperinflation of the lungs and does not require immediate action.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Albuterol. During an acute asthma attack, a short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol is the first-line treatment to quickly open up the airways, relieve bronchospasm, and improve breathing. Albuterol acts rapidly to provide immediate relief of symptoms. Montelukast (A) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term asthma control. Salmeterol (B) is a long-acting bronchodilator used for maintenance therapy, not for acute attacks. Ipratropium (D) is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is used as an adjunctive therapy but not typically first-line for acute exacerbations.