NCLEX 3 Oxygenation Mod 15 Streamlined

Question 1

A client asks why asthma medication is needed even though the client’s last attack was several months ago. Which response by the nurse is appropriate? A) “The medication needs to be taken or your lungs will be severely damaged and we will not be able to prevent an acute attack.” B) “The medication needs to be taken indefinitely according to your doctor, so you should discuss this with him.” C) “The medication is still needed to decrease inflammation in your airways and help prevent an attack.” D) “The medication needs to be taken for at least a year; then, if you have not had an acute attack, you can stop it.”

Answer 1

C) “The medication is still needed to decrease inflammation in your airways and help prevent an attack.” Rationale: Effective treatment of asthma includes long-term treatment to prevent attacks and decrease inflammation, as well as short-term treatment when an attack occurs. Long-term treatment of asthma continues indefinitely, not for just 1 year. Telling a client that lungs will be severely damaged is nontherapeutic; the inability to prevent an acute attack in this client is not true. The nurse is able to answer the client’s question; it does not need to be referred to the physician.

Question 2

A client diagnosed with asthma has a respiratory rate of 28 at rest with audible wheezes upon inspiration. Based on this data, which nursing diagnosis is the most appropriate? A) Ineffective Airway Clearance B) Impaired Tissue Perfusion C) Ineffective Breathing Pattern D) Activity Intolerance

Answer 2

C) Ineffective Breathing Pattern Rationale: The client is experiencing an increased respiratory rate and is wheezing, which is an ineffective breathing pattern. Not enough information is provided to determine whether the client has ineffective airway clearance, activity intolerance, or impaired tissue perfusion.

Question 3

A client with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute has an oxygen saturation of 82%. Which nursing diagnosis is a priority for this client? A) Risk for Infection B) Impaired Spontaneous Ventilation C) Risk for Acute Confusion D) Decreased Cardiac Output

Answer 3

B) Impaired Spontaneous Ventilation

Question 4

A nurse is teaching environmental control to the parents of a child with asthma. Which statement by the parents indicates effective teaching? A) “We’ll be sure to use the fireplace often to keep the house warm in the winter.” B) “We will replace the carpet in our child’s bedroom with tile.” C) “We’ll keep the plants in our child’s room dusted.” D) “We’re glad the dog can continue to sleep in our child’s room.”

Answer 4

B) “We will replace the carpet in our child’s bedroom with tile.” Rationale: Control of dust in the child’s bedroom is an important aspect of environmental control for asthma management, and replacing the carpeting in the child’s bedroom with tile flooring will reduce dust. When possible, pets and plants should not be kept in the home. Smoke from fireplaces should be eliminated.

Question 5

Besides the respiratory system, which system would be critical for the nurse to assess in a client recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis? A) Nervous system B) Gastrointestinal system C) Musculoskeletal system D) Urinary system

Answer 5

B) Gastrointestinal system Rationale: In addition to respiratory alterations, clients with cystic fibrosis often have alterations to the gastrointestinal system. In particular, obstruction of pancreatic ducts by thick mucus impairs the production of pancreatic enzymes that are necessary for food digestion. This results in malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, and impaired insulin production. Cystic fibrosis does not affect the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, or urinary system directly.

Question 6

Friends of a client hospitalized with asthma would like to bring the client a gift. Which gift should the nurse recommend for this client? A) A basket of flowers B) A stuffed animal C) Fruit and candy D) A book

Answer 6

D) A book Rationale: A client with asthma must not be exposed to items that can exacerbate their disease process. Specific allergens, chemicals, and foods must be avoided. Flowers, food, and items that may contain dust, such as a stuffed animal, should be avoided. Objects void of irritants, such as a book, would be an appropriate gift.

Question 7

The charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse conduct an admission assessment on a client with asthma. Which action by the newly licensed nurse requires immediate intervention? A) The newly licensed nurse is observed obtaining the pulse oximetry reading 10 minutes after the client used an albuterol inhaler. B) The newly licensed nurse is observed continuing to ask the client questions regarding history while the client demonstrates difficulty breathing and signs of respiratory impairment. C) The newly licensed nurse is observed assessing the client’s thoracic wall, skin, and nail beds. D) The newly licensed nurse is observed auscultating breath sounds with a stethoscope.

Answer 7

B) The newly licensed nurse is observed continuing to ask the client questions regarding history while the client demonstrates difficulty breathing and signs of respiratory impairment. Rationale: The charge nurse should intervene immediately if the nurse observes the client is demonstrating impairment at or near respiratory failure; the client will not be able to respond to questions. Assessment questions should be tailored and asked of any family member or friend accompanying the client. Although the pulse oximetry reading may not be a true indicator of the level of respiratory distress of the client because of the use of an albuterol inhaler within 30-60 minutes of this assessment, it is still an appropriate action for the newly licensed nurse to take and does not require the charge nurse to intervene immediately. The charge nurse may speak to the newly licensed nurse later with regard to this assessment. Assessing the client’s thoracic wall, skin, and nail beds is an appropriate action at this time. Auscultating the client’s breath sounds with the use of a stethoscope is appropriate.

Question 8

The nurse assigned to the newborn nursery is conducting shift assessments. While assessing one newborn, the nurse notes the respiratory rate is 52 breaths per minute. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? A) Notify the healthcare provider of this assessment finding. B) Obtain an arterial blood gas for further respiratory assessment. C) Begin monitoring the respiratory rate every 5 minutes. D) Continue to monitor the newborn per facility policy.

Answer 8

D) Continue to monitor the newborn per facility policy. Rationale: A respiratory rate of 52 breaths per minute is a normal finding in a newborn. Respiratory rates are highest and most variable in newborns. The respiratory rate of a neonate or newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute. Therefore, this client only needs monitoring. No other actions are necessary.

Question 9

The nurse instructs a client with asthma on bronchodilator therapy. Which statement indicates client understanding of how the drug works? A) “The medication widens the airways by causing airway muscle contraction.” B) “The medication widens the airways by causing airway muscle relaxation.” C) “The medication widens the airways by decreasing histamine production.” D) “The medication widens the airways by decreasing mucus production.”

Answer 9

B) “The medication widens the airways by causing airway muscle relaxation.” Rationale: Bronchodilators stimulate bronchiolar smooth muscle relaxation, not contraction. Smooth muscle relaxation increases the diameter of the airway lumen to enhance airflow. Bronchodilators do not decrease the production of mucus or the production of histamine.

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a 72-year-old client who has presented to the emergency department for the third time in 8 months with acute asthma exacerbations. The client states that he has trouble holding his inhaler, and sometimes he forgets to take his medication. He is also worried because he thinks his new drugs are adversely interacting with medications for his other conditions. What nursing diagnosis is appropriate for this client? A) Deficient Knowledge B) Ineffective Health Management C) Risk for Aspiration D) Ineffective Coping

Answer 10

B) Ineffective Health Management Rationale: Based on his repeated trips to the emergency department, his reported trouble holding his inhaler, and his inconsistency with taking his medications, an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client is Ineffective Health Management. The client appears to have adequate knowledge about how to cope with his diseases; he is just unable to follow through with managing his medications at all times. Therefore, Deficient Knowledge and Ineffective Coping are not appropriate diagnoses based on this information. Not enough information is provided to determine if the client is at risk for aspiration.

Question 11

The nurse is collecting a health history for a 12-month-old child. The child lives in a home where both parents smoke, and the child has had respiratory syncytial virus twice since birth. The child’s older sister was recently diagnosed with asthma. The nurse understands that this child’s risk of developing asthma later in life is A) above average. B) average. C) below average. D) well below average.

Answer 11

A) above average. Rationale: Risk factors for asthma include exposure to air pollution, including secondary smoke from cigarettes, and early exposure to respiratory syncytial virus. Genetic factors may also play a role in asthma development. Because of the presence of these risk factors, this child has an above average risk of developing asthma later in life.

Question 12

The nurse is conducting an assessment for a client on a medical-surgical unit. Which findings are indicative of a client who is experiencing tachypnea? Select all that apply. A) Excessive rapid breathing B) Chest pain C) Rapid breathing at rest D) Shallow breathing E) Cyanosis

Answer 12

A) Excessive rapid breathing C) Rapid breathing at rest D) Shallow breathing Rationale: Excessive rapid breathing, rapid breathing at rest, and shallow breathing are all manifestations of tachypnea. Chest pain is a manifestation of a pneumothorax. Cyanosis is a late manifestation of hypoxemia.

Question 13

The nurse is instructing a client who is prescribed ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) for asthma. Which should be included in this client’s teaching? Select all that apply. A) Take no more than the prescribed number of doses each day. B) Rinse the mouth after taking this medication. C) Take on an empty stomach. D) Take with meals or a full glass of water. E) Use hard candy or drink extra fluids to help with a dry mouth.

Answer 13

A) Take no more than the prescribed number of doses each day. E) Use hard candy or drink extra fluids to help with a dry mouth. Rationale: Appropriate teaching for a client prescribed ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) includes only taking the prescribed number of doses each day to prevent a drug overdose and the use of hard candy or extra fluids to decrease dry mouth. The mouth does not need to be rinsed after taking this medication. This medication does not need to be taken with meals or a full glass of water, or on an empty stomach.

Question 14

The nurse is planning care for a client experiencing dyspnea and a subsequent activity intolerance. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate? A) Encourage strenuous activity. B) Consult a dietitian for low-calorie meals. C) Space periods of activity with periods of rest. D) Encourage dependence with activities of daily living.

Answer 14

C) Space periods of activity with periods of rest. Rationale : The client with shortness of breath will experience activity intolerance due to a lack of oxygen and fatigue. It will often be appropriate to space periods of activity with periods of rest. Clients with respiratory disorders often need an increase, not a decrease, in calories to maintain body functions. The client will be weak, so the nurse should not encourage strenuous activity. The nurse would want the client to be as independent as possible and would not encourage dependence with activities of daily living.

Question 15

The nurse is planning care for a young adolescent client diagnosed with asthma. Which evidence-based age-appropriate interventions will the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply. A) Referring to a peer-led support group B) Teaching the parents how to administer maintenance medication prior to teaching the client C) Assessing peer support when planning care D) Collaborating with teachers for support in the school setting E) Telling the client to avoid medication while at school

Answer 15

A) Referring to a peer-led support group C) Assessing peer support when planning care D) Collaborating with teachers for support in the school setting Rationale: Age-appropriate, evidence-based interventions for a young adolescent client diagnosed with asthma include referral to a peer-led support group, assessing peer support of the client, and collaborating with teachers to ensure the client has the necessary support in the school setting. While it is appropriate to include the parents in the educational process, the client should be taught how to administer medications prior to teaching the parents. Avoiding medication administration while in school could lead to an acute asthma attack.

Question 16

The nurse is providing care for a client admitted during an acute exacerbation of asthma. Which medication does the nurse anticipate to relieve the acute symptoms exhibited by the client? A) Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists B) Oral corticosteroids C) Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists D) Oral anticholinergics

Answer 16

A) Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists Rationale: The client admitted with an acute exacerbation of asthma will require a rescue medication, such as an inhaled short-acting beta-agonist. Oral corticosteroids, inhaled long-acting beta agonists, and oral anticholinergics are maintenance medications used to treat asthma.

Question 17

The nurse is providing care to a client admitted after experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment findings should the nurse identify as signs that the client has progressed to respiratory failure? Select all that apply. A) Retractions and fatigue B) Tachycardia and tachypnea C) Inaudible breath sounds D) Diffuse wheezing and the use of accessory muscles when inhaling E) Reduced wheezing and an ineffective cough

Answer 17

C) Inaudible breath sounds E) Reduced wheezing and an ineffective cough Rationale: Inaudible breath sounds, reduced wheezing, and ineffective cough indicate that the client is progressing to respiratory failure, and immediate interventions are necessary. During an asthma attack, tachycardia and tachypnea are common. They are early symptoms of the disease process and can be addressed without urgency. Diffuse wheezing, the use of accessory muscles when inhaling, retractions, and fatigue indicate a progression of the severity of the symptoms and may require nursing intervention, but they do not indicate respiratory failure.

Question 18

The nurse is providing care to a client with arterial blood gas analysis as follows: PaO2 of 82, PaCO2 of 49, HCO3 of 26, and pH of 7.31. Which assessment by the nurse is correct? A) Respiratory acidosis B) Respiratory alkalosis C) Metabolic alkalosis D) Metabolic acidosis

Answer 18

A) Respiratory acidosis Rationale: Both the pH and the carbon dioxide levels represent acidosis. The PaO2 of 82 is on the low end of normal and the bicarbonate level is normal, indicating that this is respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic acidosis.

Question 19

The nurse is providing care to a client with asthma. When developing the client’s plan of care, which intervention would be most appropriate to promote effective gas exchange? A) Provide adequate rest periods B) Reduce excessive stimuli C) Assist with activities of daily living D) Place in Fowler position

Answer 19

D) Place in Fowler position Rationale: Placing the client in Fowler position facilitates breathing and lung expansion, promoting effective gas exchange. Providing adequate rest periods prevents fatigue and reduces oxygen demands. Reducing excessive stimuli promotes rest. Assisting with activities of daily living conserves energy and reduces oxygen demands.

Question 20

The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a client who is newly diagnosed with asthma. Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching? A) “I need to rinse my mouth after every use of my inhaler.” B) “I need to take my Singulair at least 1 hour before I eat.” C) “When inhaling two different medications, I should use the bronchodilator last.” D) “Because I am on theophylline, I will need to have therapeutic blood levels drawn.”

Answer 20

C) “When inhaling two different medications, I should use the bronchodilator last.” Rationale: When using two different medications taken by inhalation, the bronchodilator should always be used first. This helps open the airways to enhance the effectiveness of the second medication. The other statements are accurate and require no further education.

Question 21

The nurse is reviewing the results of laboratory tests conducted on a client admitted with an alteration in respiratory function. Which laboratory finding would be most significant for this client? A) Hemoglobin level 14 g/dL B) Oxygen saturation 96% C) Serum sodium 140 mg/dL D) Blood pH 7.32

Answer 21

D) Blood pH 7.32 Rationale : Normal blood pH is 7.35-7.45. A decreased pH indicates that the client is experiencing acidosis, which indicates an alteration in oxygenation. The serum sodium does not impact the oxygen capacity of the body. The hemoglobin level affects the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood; however, the value is within normal limits. Oxygen saturation of 96% is within normal limits.

Question 22

The nurse recognizes that which pathophysiologic changes are occurring when caring for the client with respiratory acidosis? Select all that apply. A) Increased CO2 B) Vasoconstriction C) Decreased O2 D) Decreased intracranial pressure (ICP) E) Increased pulse rate

Answer 22

A) Increased CO2 C) Decreased O2 E) Increased pulse rate Rationale : Respiratory acidosis is an alteration of acid-base imbalance that is caused by decreased oxygen intake, resulting in an excess of dissolved carbon dioxide (increased CO2). Vasodilatation, not vasoconstriction, occurs as a low pH results in relaxation of vascular smooth muscle by interrupting the normal function of calcium channels. Cerebral vasodilation results in increased intracranial pressure. The pulse rate increases in an attempt to compensate for oxygen deprivation.

Question 23

The nurse working on a pediatric unit is caring for a client newly diagnosed with asthma. Which assessment data indicate impending respiratory failure and the need for immediate intervention? Select all that apply. A) Shallow respirations B) Slightly diminished breath sounds C) Decreased wheezing D) Increased crackles E) Increased respiratory rate

Answer 23

A) Shallow respirations C) Decreased wheezing Rationale: Respiratory status can change rapidly during an acute asthma attack. Slowed, shallow respirations with significantly diminished breath sounds and decreased wheezing may indicate exhaustion and impending respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is necessary. Increased crackles are usually associated with heart failure and are not an indication of respiratory failure. An increased respiratory rate indicates respiratory compromise, but not respiratory failure.

Question 24

The pathophysiologic stimulus that initiates asthma is A) bronchoconstriction. B) inflammation in the airways. C) airway edema. D) mucus secretion.

Answer 24

B) inflammation in the airways. Rationale: In asthma, the airways are in a persistent state of inflammation. This inflammation can lead to bronchoconstriction, airway edema, and increased mucus secretion. Therefore, inflammation is the primary stimulus that initiates asthma.

Question 25

The structure of the respiratory system that serves as the site of gas exchange is the A) macrophage. B) bronchi. C) alveoli. D) bronchiole.

Answer 25

C) alveoli. Rationale: The alveoli comprise the terminal structures of the lower respiratory system. Alveoli serve as the sites of gas exchange, specifically, carbon dioxide and oxygen. Bronchi and bronchioles are larger structures in the respiratory system that serve as tracts for airflow. Macrophages are immune cells that keep the alveoli region free of microbes.

Question 26

Vaccinations can help promote healthy oxygenation by A) reducing the transmission of preventable diseases. B) increasing the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the lungs. C) promoting adequate blood circulation to organs and tissues. D) preventing all respiratory infections.

Answer 26

A) reducing the transmission of preventable diseases. Rationale:: Vaccinations help decrease the transmission of preventable diseases, many of which are spread by respiratory secretions. Many of these diseases also affect the respiratory system and can alter oxygenation. Vaccinations do not directly increase the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the lungs, nor do they promote adequate blood circulation. Vaccinations can prevent some respiratory infections, but not all respiratory infections, and they can also prevent some nonrespiratory infections.

Question 27

When auscultating the lungs of a client experiencing dyspnea, the nurse hears a low-pitched sound that is continuous throughout inspiration. What does this lung sound indicate to the nurse? A) Narrow bronchi B) Narrow trachea passages C) Blocked large airway passages D) Inflamed pleural surfaces

Answer 27

C) Blocked large airway passages Rationale: The nurse auscultated rhonchi, which are low-pitched sounds that are continuous throughout inspiration. Rhonchi suggests blockage of large airway passages, which may be cleared with coughing. Stridor is the sound created by narrow tracheal passages. A low-pitched grating sound is created by inflamed pleural surfaces. Wheezing is created by narrow bronchi.

Question 28

Which independent nursing interventions are appropriate for a client who is experiencing an alteration in oxygenation? Select all that apply. A) Encouraging deep breathing exercises B) Assisting with positioning C) Providing suctioning D) Prescribing bronchodilators E) Monitoring activity intolerance

Answer 28

A) Encouraging deep breathing exercises B) Assisting with positioning C) Providing suctioning E) Monitoring activity intolerance Rationale: Examples of independent interventions that nurses can provide to clients with alterations in oxygenation include deep breathing exercises, positioning, encouraging smoking cessation, monitoring activity intolerance, promoting secretion clearance, suctioning, and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs). It is outside the scope of nursing practice to prescribe a bronchodilator to a client. The nurse, however, can administer a prescribed bronchodilator. This is considered a collaborative nursing intervention.

Question 29

Which of the following triggers can stimulate an acute asthma attack? Select all that apply. A) Stress B) Animal dander C) Loud noises D) Exercise E) Bright lights

Answer 29

A) Stress B) Animal dander D) Exercise Rationale: Stress, exercise, and animal dander are all known triggers of asthma. Loud noises may trigger hearing loss or headaches, but they will not trigger asthma. Bright lights are also not known to trigger asthma.

Question 30

While performing nasotracheal suctioning, the nurse notes the older adult client with an alteration in oxygenation is moving the head around and pulling at the nurse’s hand to remove the suction catheter. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply. A) Remove the suction catheter B) Lower the head of the bed C) Decrease the suction pressure D) Apply restraints to the client’s arms and legs E) Hyperoxygenate the client

Answer 30

A) Remove the suction catheter C) Decrease the suction pressure E) Hyperoxygenate the client Rationale: The older adult client is demonstrating signs of hypoxemia. The nurse should remove the suction catheter, decrease the suction pressure, and hyperoxygenate the client. Restraining the patient does not address the hypoxemia. The client should be in the Fowler or high-Fowler position.