ATI RN
Oxygen Therapy NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The process of exchanging gases through the alveolar capillary membrane is known as
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diffusion. This is because the exchange of gases between the alveoli and capillaries occurs through diffusion, where oxygen and carbon dioxide move from areas of high concentration to low concentration. Disassociation (A) refers to the separation of molecules, not gas exchange. Perfusion (C) is the movement of blood into the capillaries, not gas exchange. Ventilation (D) is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, not the actual exchange of gases between the alveoli and capillaries.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with chronic hypoxemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Polycythemia. Chronic hypoxemia leads to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, causing the body to produce more red blood cells (polycythemia) to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This can result in increased blood viscosity and potential clotting issues. A: Cyanosis of the lips is more commonly seen with acute hypoxemia, not chronic hypoxemia. B: Peripheral neuropathy is not a direct consequence of chronic hypoxemia but can be seen in conditions like diabetes. D: Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with chronic hypoxemia. In summary, the nurse should expect polycythemia in a client with chronic hypoxemia due to the compensatory mechanism of increased red blood cell production.
Question 3 of 5
A client with pneumonia has a pulse oximetry reading of 88%. What intervention should the nurse perform first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Raise the head of the bed. Elevating the client's head helps improve ventilation and oxygenation by facilitating better lung expansion. This intervention can help enhance oxygen exchange, which is crucial for a client with pneumonia and low oxygen saturation. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first intervention. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice C) is important but not the immediate priority. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice D) can be beneficial but may not address the immediate need for improved oxygenation.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which diagnostic test result is most concerning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 200 indicates severe hypoxemia in ARDS, signifying impaired gas exchange and poor oxygenation. This ratio is a key indicator of the severity of ARDS. B: Bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray are expected findings in ARDS but do not directly reflect the severity of hypoxemia. C: A pH of 7.45 in ABG suggests normal acid-base balance, which is not as concerning as severe hypoxemia. D: A serum lactate level of 2 mmol/L is within the normal range and is not specific to ARDS or indicative of its severity.
Question 5 of 5
A client is admitted with acute respiratory failure. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Placing the client in high Fowler's position. This is the priority intervention for a client with acute respiratory failure as it helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation by maximizing chest expansion. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) may help with airway patency but placing the client in an upright position takes precedence. Preparing the client for intubation (Choice C) is a more invasive intervention and should be considered after optimizing non-invasive measures. Administering IV antibiotics (Choice D) may be necessary but addressing the immediate respiratory distress by positioning the client correctly is the priority.