what is the initial action for a nurse when a patient presents with shortness of breath
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam Quizlet

1. What is the initial action for a healthcare provider when a patient presents with shortness of breath?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the initial action for a healthcare provider when a patient presents with shortness of breath because it helps alleviate the patient's symptoms by improving oxygenation. Providing oxygen takes precedence over other actions such as repositioning the patient, checking for abnormal breath sounds, or assessing oxygen saturation. While these actions are important, ensuring the patient has an adequate oxygen supply is crucial in the initial management of shortness of breath.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory report of a client with a prescription for digoxin. Which result requires withholding the medication?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A low potassium level (3.1 mEq/L) can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Hypokalemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious dysrhythmias. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and do not indicate a need to withhold digoxin.

3. A healthcare professional is providing discharge teaching for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which resource should be provided?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Food exchange lists from the American Diabetes Association are a valuable resource for meal planning in diabetes. These lists provide guidelines for portion control and help individuals make healthier food choices. Personal blogs may not always provide accurate and evidence-based information. Food label recommendations are important but may not specifically address meal planning for diabetes. Diabetes medication information is essential but not the primary focus when educating about dietary management for type 2 diabetes.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote airway clearance?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake is essential in promoting airway clearance for a client with pneumonia. Increased fluid intake helps thin secretions, making it easier for the client to clear their airways. Chest physiotherapy (Choice A) is more focused on mobilizing secretions and may not be suitable for all clients with pneumonia. Suctioning (Choice B) is indicated for clients who have excessive secretions that they cannot manage effectively themselves. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula (Choice D) is important for clients with pneumonia to maintain adequate oxygenation, but it does not directly promote airway clearance.

5. A client who is 14 weeks of gestation reports swelling of the face. What should the nurse do next?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to report this finding to the provider immediately. Swelling of the face in pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Prompt reporting and intervention are crucial to prevent complications for both the client and the fetus. Administering an analgesic (choice A) is not appropriate for this situation as it does not address the underlying cause of the swelling. Administering an antiemetic (choice C) is used to treat nausea and vomiting, which are not the primary concerns associated with facial swelling in this scenario. Monitoring the client's vital signs (choice D) is important but should be done after reporting the finding to the provider to guide further assessment and management.

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