what is the most important intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress
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ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Answers

1. What is the most important intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial in managing a patient experiencing respiratory distress. Oxygen therapy helps to improve oxygen levels in the blood, supporting vital organ functions. While monitoring airway patency is important, administering oxygen takes precedence in ensuring the patient receives an adequate oxygen supply. Providing bronchodilators may be beneficial in certain respiratory conditions, but the immediate priority in distress is to address oxygenation. Calling for assistance is essential, but the immediate intervention to support the patient's respiratory function is administering oxygen.

2. Which intervention should be included for a client with heart failure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weighing the client daily to monitor fluid balance is crucial for clients with heart failure. This intervention helps assess for fluid retention or depletion, providing valuable information for managing the condition effectively. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice A) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can worsen fluid overload. Restricting fluid intake during meals (Choice C) may lead to dehydration, which is harmful for clients with heart failure. Limiting daily activity (Choice D) is not recommended as appropriate activity levels should be encouraged for overall well-being, under guidance to prevent excessive fatigue.

3. After sustaining a closed head injury and numerous lacerations and abrasions to the face and neck, a five-year-old child is admitted to the emergency room. The client is unconscious and has minimal response to noxious stimuli. Which of the following assessments, if observed by the nurse three hours after admission, should be reported to the physician?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clear fluid draining from the ear can indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a serious concern after a head injury. This leakage can signify a skull fracture or damage to the meninges, potentially leading to infection. Therefore, it should be reported immediately for further evaluation and management. Choices A, C, and D are typical findings after head trauma and are not as urgent as the presence of clear fluid draining from the ear.

4. What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is showing signs of respiratory distress?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy. When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to clear the airway by suctioning the tracheostomy to remove secretions that may be obstructing the air passage. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) may be considered if bronchospasm is present, but the immediate focus should be on clearing the airway. Notifying the physician (Choice C) is important but should not delay the immediate intervention of suctioning. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may provide temporary relief, but addressing the root cause of the distress by suctioning is the priority.

5. A charge nurse on a long-term care unit is preparing to delegate tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse delegate to the LPN?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct task to delegate to the LPN is administering initial NG tube feeding. LPNs are trained to carry out this task as it falls within their scope of practice. Inserting an IV catheter (Choice A) is typically performed by registered nurses. Administering insulin (Choice C) and giving medications for diabetes (Choice D) involve assessing the patient's condition and adjusting medication dosage, which are responsibilities of registered nurses or higher-level healthcare providers.

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