what is the best intervention for a patient with respiratory distress

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

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

A. Administer oxygen
B. Administer bronchodilators
C. Administer IV fluids
D. Administer corticosteroids

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. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient for dehydration?

A. Check for skin turgor
B. Monitor blood pressure
C. Check for dry mucous membranes
D. Monitor urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Checking for skin turgor is a reliable method to assess dehydration in patients. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and hydration status. When a healthcare professional gently pinches the skin on the back of the patient's hand or forearm, dehydration is indicated by the skin not snapping back immediately. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) is important but is more indicative of cardiovascular status rather than dehydration specifically. Checking for dry mucous membranes (choice C) can be a sign of dehydration, but skin turgor is a more direct assessment. Monitoring urine output (choice D) is also essential but may not provide immediate feedback on hydration status as skin turgor does.

3. A client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will check my blood glucose levels only when I feel sick.
B. I will inject insulin in the same spot each time.
C. I will rotate injection sites within the same anatomical region.
D. I will inject insulin only if my blood glucose level is above 200 mg/dL.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients with type 1 diabetes should rotate injection sites within the same anatomical region to prevent lipodystrophy. Choice A is incorrect because blood glucose levels should be checked regularly, not only when feeling sick. Choice B is incorrect as injecting insulin in the same spot each time can lead to lipodystrophy. Choice D is incorrect as insulin injections are usually required based on meal schedules and blood glucose levels, not just when levels are above 200 mg/dL.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride IV to a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Give the medication as a bolus over 10 minutes.
B. Dilute the medication before administration.
C. Infuse the medication at a rate of 10 mEq/hr.
D. Administer the medication undiluted.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when administering potassium chloride IV to a client with hypokalemia is to infuse the medication at a rate of 10 mEq/hr. This slow infusion rate is crucial to prevent the development of hyperkalemia, a potentially dangerous condition. Option A is incorrect because giving the medication as a bolus over 10 minutes can lead to adverse effects. Option B is incorrect as potassium chloride does not necessarily need to be diluted before administration in this scenario. Option D is incorrect as administering the medication undiluted can also increase the risk of hyperkalemia.

5. A patient refused a newly opened fentanyl patch. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Ask another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch
B. Dispose of the patch in a sharps container
C. Send the patch back to the pharmacy
D. Document the refusal and remove the patch

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient refuses a newly opened fentanyl patch, the nurse should ask another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch. This action ensures accountability, proper protocol, and prevents any potential diversion or misuse of the medication. Disposing of the patch in a sharps container (Choice B) is not sufficient as it does not address the need for witness accountability. Sending the patch back to the pharmacy (Choice C) may not be appropriate without proper documentation and witness. Simply documenting the refusal and removing the patch (Choice D) may lack the necessary verification of proper disposal.