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. Which of the following is the best intervention for managing dehydration?

A. Administer antiemetics to prevent nausea
B. Monitor fluid and electrolyte levels
C. Encourage the client to drink more fluids
D. Administer intravenous fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best intervention for managing dehydration is to monitor fluid and electrolyte levels. This approach allows healthcare providers to assess the severity of dehydration, determine appropriate fluid replacement therapy, and prevent complications. Administering antiemetics (Choice A) may help with nausea but does not address the underlying issue of dehydration. Encouraging the client to drink more fluids (Choice C) may be appropriate for mild dehydration but can be inadequate for moderate to severe cases. Administering intravenous fluids (Choice D) is crucial for severe dehydration or cases where oral rehydration is ineffective, but monitoring fluid and electrolyte levels should precede this intervention.

3. What is an appropriate teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane?

A. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
B. Use the cane on the weak side of the body
C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
D. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times. This ensures stability and helps prevent falls. Choice B, using the cane on the weak side of the body, may lead to imbalance and decreased support. Choice C, advancing the cane a specific distance with each step, is not as crucial as maintaining two points of support. Choice D, advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously, may also compromise stability and support for the weak leg.

4. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
B. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
C. Magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L
D. Calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, but monitoring potassium levels is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to adverse effects such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium and calcium levels are not typically affected by furosemide, so they are not the priority findings to report to the provider in this case.

5. What are the differences between viral and bacterial infections?

A. Viral infections often cause fatigue and body aches
B. Bacterial infections often cause high fever and localized pain
C. Viral infections are treated with antibiotics
D. Bacterial infections are usually self-limiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Viral infections often cause fatigue and body aches, while bacterial infections are more likely to cause high fever and localized pain. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the symptoms commonly associated with viral infections. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, typically present with fever and localized pain, as stated in choice B. Choice C is incorrect as viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, while choice D is inaccurate because bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment and are not always self-limiting.