what is the first priority for a patient in respiratory distress

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2024

1. What is the first priority for a patient in respiratory distress?

A. Administer oxygen
B. Assess airway patency
C. Monitor oxygen saturation
D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. In a patient experiencing respiratory distress, the primary concern is ensuring an adequate oxygen supply to the body. By administering oxygen, you can help improve oxygenation, which is crucial for the patient's overall well-being. Assessing airway patency is important but administering oxygen takes precedence as it directly addresses the oxygenation concern. Monitoring oxygen saturation is also essential, but the immediate action should be to provide oxygen. Calling for assistance can be important but is not the first priority when dealing with a patient in respiratory distress.

2. A nurse is preparing a change-of-shift report for an adult female client who is postoperative. Which of the following client information should the nurse include in the report?

A. Hgb 12.8 g/dl.
B. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L.
C. RBC 4.4 million/mm3.
D. Platelets 100,000/mm3.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Platelets 100,000/mm3." A platelet count of 100,000/mm3 is low and increases the client's risk for bleeding, which is crucial information to communicate during the change-of-shift report. Choices A, B, and C provide values within normal ranges and are not directly related to the client's postoperative status or risk for complications. Therefore, they are not the priority information to include in the report.

3. A client who has a new prosthesis for an above-the-knee amputation of the right leg needs teaching on its use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Wear the prosthesis for 2 hours at a time
B. Remove the prosthesis every other day
C. Apply the prosthesis immediately upon waking each day
D. Elevate the stump for 24 hours after applying the prosthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to apply the prosthesis immediately upon waking each day. This helps the client adjust to and maintain mobility. Choice A is incorrect because wearing the prosthesis for only 2 hours at a time may not be sufficient for proper adjustment. Choice B is incorrect as removing the prosthesis every other day is not a standard practice and may hinder the client's mobility. Choice D is incorrect because elevating the stump for 24 hours after applying the prosthesis is unnecessary and not a recommended practice.

4. Which of the following situations can be identified as an ethical dilemma?

A. A nurse demonstrates signs of chemical impairment
B. A family has conflicting feelings about tube feeding for their terminally ill father
C. A nurse overhears a colleague threatening to restrain a patient if they do not stay in bed
D. A client with terminal cancer hesitates to name their spouse as power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ethical dilemmas involve conflicting values or feelings. In this situation, the family is conflicted about tube feeding for their terminally ill father, which presents a moral and ethical challenge. Choices A, C, and D do not represent ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves a nurse's impairment, which is a different issue. Choice C involves a nurse's observation of a colleague's threat, which is a patient safety concern. Choice D involves a client's hesitation in naming a spouse as power of attorney, which is a legal and decision-making issue, not necessarily an ethical dilemma.

5. The nurse is caring for a client following an acute myocardial infarction. The client is concerned that providing self-care will be difficult due to extreme fatigue. Which of the following strategies should the nurse implement to promote the client's independence?

A. Request an occupational therapy consult to determine the need for assistive devices
B. Assign assistive personnel to perform self-care tasks for the client
C. Instruct the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks
D. Ask the client if a family member is available to assist with his care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks is the most appropriate strategy to promote independence while managing fatigue. This approach encourages the client to regain autonomy by engaging in self-care activities at their own pace. Requesting an occupational therapy consult (Choice A) may be beneficial but does not directly address the client's concern regarding fatigue and self-care. Assigning assistive personnel (Choice B) may hinder the client's independence by taking over tasks the client could potentially perform. Asking about family assistance (Choice D) does not empower the client to regain self-care abilities.