a patient is experiencing shortness of breath what is the nurses immediate action
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2019 A with NGN

1. A patient is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the nurse's immediate action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula is the immediate action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. This intervention helps to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress promptly. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice A) may also be beneficial but providing oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to address the underlying hypoxemia. Encouraging deep breaths and coughing (choice C) may not be appropriate as the first action, especially without assessing the patient first. Assessing lung sounds (choice D) is essential but should follow the initial intervention of administering oxygen.

2. Which intervention is most effective in preventing postoperative complications?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention in preventing postoperative complications is to ambulate the patient as soon as possible. Early ambulation helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by enhancing circulation and preventing respiratory issues. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids, perform deep breathing exercises, or range of motion exercises are beneficial interventions, but ambulation is the priority due to its overall impact on preventing various postoperative complications.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has carpal tunnel syndrome. The provider should expect which of the following findings?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phalen's sign is often positive in clients with carpal tunnel syndrome due to nerve compression. Chvostek's sign (Choice A) is related to hypocalcemia, cool extremities (Choice B) are not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and decreased radial pulse (Choice D) is not a common finding in carpal tunnel syndrome.

4. A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propranolol. Which finding indicates that the propranolol is effective?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a decrease in blood pressure is an expected outcome when propranolol, a beta-blocker, is effectively managing hyperthyroidism. Propranolol helps control symptoms such as tachycardia and hypertension associated with hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, increased energy, and an increased respiratory rate are not direct indicators of propranolol's effectiveness in treating hyperthyroidism.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that requires a peak and trough level. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained. This is crucial to ensure accurate dosing based on the patient's levels. Administering the medication before the peak level is obtained (choice A) can lead to incorrect dosing. Administering the medication based on the previous trough level (choice C) may not reflect the current levels accurately. Ensuring that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level (choice D) is not necessary for obtaining accurate peak and trough levels.

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