a patient is experiencing shortness of breath what is the nurses immediate action
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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. When teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin, what is the most important instruction to provide?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important instruction to provide when teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin is to rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage. Rotating injection sites helps prevent lipodystrophy (tissue damage) and ensures proper insulin absorption. Option B is incorrect because the angle of insulin injection varies depending on the patient's body composition. Injecting at a 90-degree angle is not always necessary. Option C is not the most crucial instruction; while storing insulin in the refrigerator is important, it is not the priority when teaching self-administration. Option D is also important for maintaining consistency but is not as critical as rotating injection sites to prevent tissue damage.

3. A nurse discovers a discrepancy in the narcotics log. What is the appropriate next step?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse discovers a discrepancy in the narcotics log, the appropriate next step is to report the discrepancy to the nurse manager. This is important to ensure that the issue is properly investigated and addressed. Choice A is incorrect because simply correcting the log and notifying the pharmacy may not address the root cause of the discrepancy. Choice C is incorrect as re-administering the narcotic without clarification could lead to potential harm or legal issues. Choice D is incorrect as disposing of the narcotic without following proper protocols and documentation could result in further complications.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for codeine for cough suppression. What is the priority instruction?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to 'Move slowly when standing up.' Codeine can cause orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when changing positions, leading to dizziness or fainting. By advising the client to move slowly when standing up, the nurse helps prevent falls or injuries due to sudden drops in blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are important instructions as well but not the priority when considering the risk of orthostatic hypotension associated with codeine.

5. Which action should the nurse take to minimize the risk of medication errors?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because ensuring two nurses double-check medications before administration is a crucial step in minimizing the risk of medication errors. This practice helps in verifying the accuracy of medication orders and reducing the chances of mistakes. Choice A may not necessarily prevent errors as preparing medications ahead of time does not guarantee accuracy. Choice C, administering medications at the same time each day, is important for consistency but does not directly address the risk of errors. Choice D, relying on memory, is highly discouraged as it increases the likelihood of errors due to human forgetfulness.

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