ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Oxygen Therapy Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 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 5 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.