what is the best intervention for a patient with respiratory distress
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

1. What is the best intervention for a patient with respiratory distress?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. In respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen helps increase the oxygen levels in the blood, supporting respiratory function. While bronchodilators may be used in specific respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, they are not the primary intervention for respiratory distress. IV fluids are not indicated as the initial treatment for respiratory distress unless there is an underlying cause such as dehydration. Corticosteroids may be used in certain respiratory conditions to reduce inflammation, but they are not the first-line intervention for acute respiratory distress.

2. A client has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include for a client prescribed metformin is to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption while on metformin increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious condition. Taking metformin at bedtime (choice A) is not a standard instruction. Eating 3 large meals each day (choice C) is not specific to metformin use and may not be suitable for all individuals. Reporting muscle pain (choice D) is important but not directly related to metformin use.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report immediately?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A platelet count of 90,000/mm³ indicates thrombocytopenia, which increases the risk of bleeding and requires immediate intervention. Thrombocytopenia can lead to serious bleeding complications, so it is crucial to address this finding promptly. A low white blood cell count (choice A) may indicate neutropenia but is not as immediately life-threatening as severe thrombocytopenia. A hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL (choice B) would require intervention but is not as urgent as addressing a critically low platelet count. A serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L (choice D) is on the lower side of normal but does not pose an immediate risk to the client's safety compared to severe thrombocytopenia.

4. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with confusion post-surgery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. Post-surgery, confusion in a patient could be due to hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of an adequate oxygen supply. Administering oxygen helps address hypoxia promptly, improving oxygen levels in the body and potentially resolving the confusion. Repositioning the patient, checking oxygen saturation, and performing a neurological exam may be important interventions but addressing hypoxia with oxygen administration takes precedence as the priority action.

5. What is the initial intervention for a patient experiencing an allergic reaction?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer antihistamines as the initial intervention for a patient experiencing an allergic reaction. Antihistamines work to block the effects of histamine, a substance released during an allergic reaction, helping to relieve symptoms such as itching, swelling, and hives. Corticosteroids (Choice B) are sometimes used in severe cases to reduce inflammation, but they are not the first-line treatment for an allergic reaction. Administering oxygen (Choice C) may be necessary if the patient is having difficulty breathing, but it is not the first intervention. IV fluids (Choice D) are typically given for conditions like dehydration or shock, not as the primary intervention for an allergic reaction.

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