ATI RN
NCLEX Style Questions on Oxygenation Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which teaching should the nurse include for a patient prescribed a dry powder inhaler (DPI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hold the breath for 10 seconds after inhalation. This instruction is important for ensuring proper medication delivery to the lungs. Holding the breath allows the medication to reach deeper into the lungs. Option A is incorrect because DPIs should not be shaken. Option B is incorrect as exhaling into the inhaler can lead to contamination. Option D is incorrect because rinsing the mouth is typically advised for using corticosteroid inhalers, not DPIs. Holding the breath is crucial for optimal drug deposition in the lungs.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse evaluates a patient post-thoracentesis. Which finding requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. An oxygen saturation of 89% on room air indicates hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. This finding suggests inadequate oxygenation and potential respiratory distress. Choice A is within the normal range for respiratory rate. Choice C is expected after thoracentesis. Choice D, although a large amount of drainage, does not indicate an immediate concern for patient safety. In summary, the critical finding is hypoxemia, which necessitates prompt healthcare provider notification to prevent further complications.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with a thoracotomy. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because chest tube drainage of 200 mL in the first hour after thoracotomy indicates active bleeding or a significant air leak, requiring immediate intervention to prevent complications like tension pneumothorax or hemorrhage. A: Oxygen saturation of 91% is concerning but not immediately life-threatening. C: Subcutaneous emphysema is expected post-thoracotomy and may not require immediate intervention. D: Diminished breath sounds may indicate a complication but are not as urgent as significant chest tube drainage.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient with COPD who reports increased shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D. Check the patient's oxygen saturation. Rationale: 1. Check oxygen saturation first to assess patient's oxygen levels. 2. Low oxygen saturation can indicate respiratory distress in COPD. 3. This information guides subsequent interventions. 4. Other choices address symptom management but do not address the immediate need for oxygen assessment.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment finding in a patient with pneumonia is most concerning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air. This finding is most concerning in a patient with pneumonia because it indicates severe hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Low oxygen saturation levels can be life-threatening and require immediate intervention. Rationale: 1. Oxygen saturation is a direct indicator of how well the lungs are oxygenating the blood. 2. A saturation level of 86% on room air is significantly below the normal range (typically 95-100%). 3. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia, organ dysfunction, and even respiratory failure if left untreated. 4. Prompt oxygen therapy is necessary to improve oxygenation and prevent further complications. Summary: A: Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute - Elevated respiratory rate is common in pneumonia but not as concerning as severe hypoxemia. C: Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) - Fever is a common symptom of pneumonia but