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

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. What intervention should the nurse implement for a patient receiving a blood transfusion?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a patient receiving a blood transfusion is to monitor the patient for signs of circulatory overload. This is crucial to prevent fluid overload, which can lead to serious complications. Administering antihistamines is not a routine intervention during blood transfusions unless the patient shows signs of an allergic reaction. Ensuring the completion of the blood transfusion within a specific time frame is not as critical as monitoring for circulatory overload. Checking vital signs every 30 minutes is essential, but the specific focus should be on monitoring for signs of circulatory overload.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. The amount available is digoxin 0.125 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 2. To achieve the prescribed dose of 0.25 mg of digoxin, the nurse should administer two 0.125 mg tablets. This calculation ensures that the patient receives the correct amount of medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the accurate dosage needed based on the available tablets and prescribed dose.

4. What is the priority when assessing a patient for possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the calf circumference of both legs when assessing a patient for possible DVT. An increase in calf circumference in one leg can indicate the presence of a DVT. Option A is incorrect because dorsiflexing the foot and checking for pain are not primary assessments for DVT. Option C is incorrect as redness of the skin may not always be present in cases of DVT. Option D is incorrect as performing a Doppler ultrasound scan is usually done after clinical assessment and to confirm the diagnosis, not as the initial priority assessment.

5. Which action by the nurse will help reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a postoperative patient?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage early ambulation and leg exercises. By promoting early ambulation and leg exercises, blood flow is enhanced, reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in postoperative patients. Choice B, applying compression stockings, helps prevent VTE but is not as effective as early ambulation and exercises. Choice C, administering anticoagulants, is important in VTE prevention but does not directly address improving circulation through physical activity. Choice D, elevating the patient's legs, may be beneficial for circulation in specific cases but is not as effective in preventing VTE as early ambulation and leg exercises.

Similar Questions

Which action by the nurse will help prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a patient on mechanical ventilation?
A nurse is preparing to discontinue a client's indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
What is the most important action for the nurse to take after finding a patient on the floor who reports, 'I fell out of bed'?
A client has a new prescription for clopidogrel. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A client with cirrhosis and ascites requires a care plan. Which intervention should the nurse include?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses