ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A patient presents with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary embolism. This is suspected in a patient with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain due to a blood clot blocking blood flow in the lungs. Pneumonia (A) presents with cough and fever. Asthma exacerbation (C) presents with wheezing and cough. Bronchitis (D) presents with productive cough and chest discomfort. Pulmonary embolism is the most critical condition to consider in a patient with sudden-onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain.
Question 3 of 5
Which patient requires the nurse's immediate attention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a patient with asthma using accessory muscles to breathe indicates severe respiratory distress and imminent respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent further complications. Choice A is incorrect because mild dyspnea in a patient with chronic bronchitis may not warrant immediate attention. Choice B is incorrect because although an oxygen saturation of 88% is concerning, it may not always require immediate attention compared to a patient in severe distress like in Choice C. Choice D is incorrect as mild discomfort at the chest tube site may not be as urgent as a patient in respiratory distress.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with severe respiratory distress has a PaO2 of 48 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen therapy immediately. In severe respiratory distress with a PaO2 of 48 mm Hg, the priority is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy will help increase the PaO2 levels quickly, improving oxygen delivery to vital organs. Positioning the patient in high Fowler's (B) can help with breathing but does not address the immediate need for oxygen. Intubation (C) may be necessary but is not the first step. Notifying the healthcare provider (D) can cause delays in providing essential oxygen therapy.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is receiving antibiotics for pneumonia. Which assessment finding requires immediate follow-up?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. This finding indicates severe hypoxemia, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent hypoxia-related complications. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Immediate follow-up may involve providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the patient's respiratory status. Choice A: Temperature of 101°F is slightly elevated but not an immediate concern in the context of pneumonia treatment. Choice C: Productive cough with yellow sputum is a common symptom of pneumonia and does not require immediate follow-up unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Choice D: Crackles in both lung bases are expected in pneumonia and do not necessitate immediate action unless associated with respiratory distress.