Gas exchange and Oxygenation ATI Questions with Complete Solution1.
Gas exchange and oxygenation
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding
indicates impaired gas exchange?
A. Respiratory rate of 18/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
C. Barrel-shaped chest
D. Productive cough with sputum
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
Rationale:
Normal oxygen saturation is 95–100% (may be lower in COPD, but <90% indicates
impaired gas exchange).
SpO₂ of 88% suggests inadequate oxygenation at the alveolar-capillary level.
Why others are incorrect:
A: RR of 18 is normal.
C: Barrel chest is expected in COPD, not a direct indicator of impaired gas exchange.
D: Productive cough is common but does not directly indicate impaired oxygenation.
✅ Key Concept: Low oxygen saturation = impaired gas exchange.
Question 2
A client receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at 2 L/min asks the nurse why
humidification is used. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “It helps increase oxygen concentration.”
B. “It prevents drying of the nasal mucosa.”
C. “It allows deeper breaths.”
D. “It improves lung expansion.”
Correct Answer: B. “It prevents drying of the nasal mucosa.”
Rationale:
Gas exchange and oxygenation
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding
indicates impaired gas exchange?
A. Respiratory rate of 18/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
C. Barrel-shaped chest
D. Productive cough with sputum
Correct Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
Rationale:
Normal oxygen saturation is 95–100% (may be lower in COPD, but <90% indicates
impaired gas exchange).
SpO₂ of 88% suggests inadequate oxygenation at the alveolar-capillary level.
Why others are incorrect:
A: RR of 18 is normal.
C: Barrel chest is expected in COPD, not a direct indicator of impaired gas exchange.
D: Productive cough is common but does not directly indicate impaired oxygenation.
✅ Key Concept: Low oxygen saturation = impaired gas exchange.
Question 2
A client receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at 2 L/min asks the nurse why
humidification is used. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. “It helps increase oxygen concentration.”
B. “It prevents drying of the nasal mucosa.”
C. “It allows deeper breaths.”
D. “It improves lung expansion.”
Correct Answer: B. “It prevents drying of the nasal mucosa.”
Rationale:
