a patient with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath what is the nurses priority intervention
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. A patient with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a bronchodilator as prescribed. This intervention is the priority for a patient with asthma experiencing shortness of breath as it helps relax the airways, making breathing easier. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer (Choice B) is beneficial for lung expansion but not the priority in this acute situation. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (Choice C) can also help with breathing but is not as immediate as administering a bronchodilator. While monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation closely (Choice D) is important, the immediate action to address the breathing difficulty is administering a bronchodilator.

2. Which principle is most important for maintaining medical asepsis in a healthcare setting?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clean hands thoroughly before and after patient contact. Hand hygiene is crucial for maintaining medical asepsis in a healthcare setting as it helps prevent the spread of infections between patients and healthcare workers. Choice A is incorrect because instruments should be sterilized regularly, not just when visibly contaminated. Choice B is incorrect as sterile gloves are not required for all patient interactions, only for specific procedures. Choice C is incorrect because patient areas should be disinfected regularly throughout the day, not just at the end of the day.

3. A patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension, monitoring the patient's sodium levels is crucial. Diuretics can lead to alterations in sodium levels, potentially causing complications like hyponatremia. While monitoring other parameters like respiratory rate, blood pressure, and potassium levels may also be important, the primary concern with diuretic therapy is the risk of sodium imbalance, making the monitoring of sodium levels the most critical assessment.

4. A nurse is assessing the skin of an immobilized patient. What will the nurse do?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, it is essential to use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale to identify patients at high risk for impaired skin integrity. This tool helps in early identification and appropriate intervention. Choice B, limiting fluid intake, is not directly related to skin assessment. Choice C, having special times for inspection, may not ensure timely identification of skin issues. Choice D, assessing the skin every 4 hours, lacks specificity regarding the use of a validated tool for risk assessment.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Central cyanosis is best assessed by examining the oral mucosa, as it is a more reliable indicator compared to other areas like the conjunctivae, soles of the feet, and ear lobes. The oral mucosa reflects the oxygen saturation levels of the blood more accurately. Conjunctivae and ear lobes may show cyanosis, but they are not as reliable as the oral mucosa. The soles of the feet are not typically used to assess central cyanosis.

Similar Questions

A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?
A nurse is caring for a client and realizes they have administered the wrong medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A patient has a DNR (do-not-resuscitate) order but their family insists on resuscitation if necessary. What should the nurse do?
A healthcare provider is completing discharge teaching to a client about nutrition therapy for wound healing following major surgery. Which of the following vitamins that promote wound healing should the healthcare provider include in the teaching? (SATA)
When the nurse discovers a patient on the floor, and the patient states, 'I fell out of bed,' the nurse assesses the patient and then places the patient back in bed. What action should the nurse take next?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses