ATI RN
Oxygen Therapy NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse prepares to administer antibiotics to a patient with bacterial pneumonia. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because obtaining blood cultures before administering antibiotics helps identify the specific bacteria causing the pneumonia, guiding appropriate antibiotic selection. This step is crucial for targeted treatment and preventing antibiotic resistance. Administering acetaminophen (A) can be done after blood cultures. Performing a respiratory assessment (C) is important but not the first step. Giving antibiotics (D) without blood cultures risks inappropriate treatment.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with pneumonia is ordered a sputum culture. When should the nurse collect the specimen?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because collecting sputum first thing in the morning before eating or drinking ensures a concentrated sample and reduces contamination. Choice A is incorrect as starting antibiotic therapy may alter the results. Choice C is incorrect as food particles can contaminate the sample. Choice D is incorrect as bronchodilators can affect the sputum consistency.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a tracheostomy tube cannot cough up secretions effectively. What should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use sterile gloves and perform suctioning. This is the appropriate action to help the patient with a tracheostomy tube who cannot cough up secretions effectively. Suctioning helps clear the airway of secretions and prevents complications such as respiratory distress. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer (A) is not effective in clearing secretions directly. Promoting increased oral fluid intake (B) may not address the immediate need for clearing secretions. Preoxygenating the patient (D) before suctioning is not the next step but rather a precautionary measure during the suctioning process.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber of a chest tube. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for loose connections in the system. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the chest tube system. The nurse should first check for loose connections, as this is a common cause of air leaks. Clamping the chest tube (choice A) could lead to tension pneumothorax. Replacing the entire system (choice C) may not be necessary if the issue is a simple loose connection. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after checking for loose connections to provide an update on the situation.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with pleural effusion is scheduled for a thoracentesis. What is the nurse's role during the procedure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because providing emotional support and monitoring vital signs are essential roles for the nurse during a thoracentesis procedure. Emotional support helps to reduce anxiety and promote patient comfort. Monitoring vital signs ensures patient safety and early detection of any complications. Choice A (monitor oxygen saturation continuously) is not typically necessary during a thoracentesis unless the patient is at high risk for respiratory compromise. Choice B (instruct the patient to hold their breath) is incorrect as the patient is usually instructed to breathe normally or take shallow breaths during the procedure to minimize movement. Choice C (position the patient on the affected side) is also incorrect as the patient is typically positioned sitting upright or slightly leaning forward to facilitate access to the pleural space.