ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which finding in a patient with pneumonia requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of oxygen therapy and pneumonia, an oxygen saturation of 84% on room air (Option B) requires immediate intervention. Oxygen saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening, especially in pneumonia where adequate oxygenation is crucial. Administering supplemental oxygen would help improve oxygen saturation and prevent further complications. Option A, a productive cough with green sputum, is common in pneumonia but does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Option C, crackles over lung bases, are expected in pneumonia but do not require urgent action unless accompanied by severe respiratory distress. Option D, a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, is within the normal range and does not signal an immediate need for intervention in this scenario. Educationally, understanding the significance of oxygen saturation levels in pneumonia is vital for healthcare professionals managing such patients. Prompt recognition and appropriate management of hypoxemia can improve patient outcomes and prevent respiratory failure. Regular monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and prompt intervention when levels drop below acceptable ranges are key components of effective pneumonia management.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with an acute asthma exacerbation is using a peak flow meter. The reading is in the yellow zone. What is the nurse's best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Administer a prescribed rescue inhaler. During an acute asthma exacerbation, when the peak flow meter reading falls into the yellow zone, it indicates a significant decline in lung function and potential airway constriction. Administering a rescue inhaler, usually containing a bronchodilator such as albuterol, helps to quickly open up the airways, providing prompt relief and improving airflow. Option A is incorrect because simply encouraging the patient to rest and retrying in 15 minutes could lead to a delay in administering necessary medication, risking further deterioration of the patient's condition. Option C is incorrect because while contacting the healthcare provider is important, immediate intervention in the form of the rescue inhaler is crucial for addressing the acute symptoms and preventing escalation. Option D is incorrect as increasing the oxygen flow rate is not the recommended initial action for an asthma exacerbation. Oxygen therapy may be considered later if the patient's oxygen saturation drops, but the priority in this case is to address the bronchoconstriction with a rescue inhaler. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to understand the appropriate interventions for managing acute asthma exacerbations based on peak flow meter readings. Prompt recognition of the yellow zone and timely administration of a rescue inhaler can help prevent respiratory distress and improve patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with pneumonia has crackles and oxygen saturation of 89%. What is the nurse's priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Administer prescribed oxygen therapy. The priority in this situation is to address the decreased oxygen saturation level of 89% in a patient with pneumonia. Oxygen therapy is vital to improve oxygenation and support vital organ functions. Without adequate oxygenation, the patient is at risk of hypoxia, which can lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Option A) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing is important for airway clearance and respiratory function but is not the priority when the patient's oxygen saturation is significantly low. Option C) Notifying the healthcare provider immediately may be necessary but providing oxygen therapy should be the initial nursing intervention to address the immediate oxygenation needs of the patient. Option D) Preparing the patient for a chest x-ray may be indicated to further assess the pneumonia, but addressing the low oxygen saturation level should take precedence to prevent hypoxia and its complications. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing nursing interventions based on the patient's condition. Understanding the critical nature of oxygen therapy in respiratory distress situations is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients with compromised oxygenation.
Question 4 of 5
A patient on heparin therapy for pulmonary embolism reports severe chest pain and shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C) Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation. This choice is the most appropriate initial action because the patient is experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath, which could indicate a potential deterioration in their respiratory status. Assessing vital signs and oxygen saturation will provide crucial information about the patient's current physiological status and help the nurse determine the severity of the situation. Option A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately is not the first action to take because immediate assessment and intervention are needed to address the patient's symptoms. Option B) Administer a prescribed analgesic is also not the most appropriate initial action as pain management should come after assessing the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation. Option D) Reassure the patient and monitor closely is not the best choice as the patient's symptoms require immediate assessment and intervention. From an educational perspective, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing actions in emergency situations. It emphasizes the significance of rapid assessment and critical thinking in determining the appropriate course of action to ensure patient safety and well-being. Nurses need to be able to quickly identify and respond to changes in a patient's condition to provide timely and effective care.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was hospitalized for increasing shortness of breath and chronic hypoxemia (SaO2 levels of 89% to 90%). In planning for discharge, which action by the nurse will be most effective in improving compliance with discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is option C, "I've been sitting in a chair to rest rather than lying down." This option demonstrates an understanding of the importance of positioning in COPD patients to optimize ventilation-perfusion matching and improve oxygenation. In COPD, patients often have difficulty with oxygen exchange due to airway obstruction and impaired gas exchange, so sitting in a chair helps to maximize lung expansion and improve oxygen saturation levels. This response shows insight into self-management strategies that can positively impact the patient's condition post-discharge. Option A, "I've been using my albuterol inhaler more frequently over the last 4 days," is incorrect because increased albuterol use may indicate worsening symptoms but does not address the specific discharge teaching related to oxygen therapy and positioning. Option B, "I've been taking Tylenol 650 mg every 6 hours for chest wall pain," is incorrect as it does not address oxygen therapy or positioning, which are crucial aspects of managing COPD and improving oxygen levels in the blood. Option D, "I've been using my albuterol inhaler more frequently over the last 4 days," is a duplicate of option A and does not provide a relevant response to the discharge teaching scenario presented. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the rationale behind discharge teaching in patients with COPD, emphasizing the significance of positioning in optimizing oxygenation and enhancing patient compliance with self-care strategies to manage their condition effectively. It underscores the need for nurses to provide tailored education that addresses the specific needs of COPD patients to promote positive health outcomes post-hospitalization.