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MEDSURG 2 NUR 265 ATI OXYGENATION
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS AND
RATIONALES
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a history of COPD who reports increased
shortness of breath and a productive cough. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
C. Use of accessory muscles with pursed-lip breathing
D. Oxygen saturation of 82% with confusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 82% with confusion indicates severe
hypoxemia and possible carbon dioxide retention. This requires immediate
intervention, including oxygen administration and provider notification. Confusion
in a COPD client may indicate worsening hypercapnia .
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2. A client is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which assessment
finding indicates the therapy is effective?
A. Respiratory rate decreases from 28 to 20 breaths per minute
B. Oxygen saturation increases from 88% to 94%
C. Client reports decreased shortness of breath
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Effective oxygen therapy is indicated by improved oxygen saturation,
decreased work of breathing (respiratory rate), and subjective improvement in
dyspnea. All findings indicate therapeutic effectiveness .
3. A nurse is caring for a client with an acute asthma exacerbation. Which
medication should be administered first?
A. Inhaled corticosteroid
B. Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA)
C. Long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
D. Oral leukotriene modifier
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) such as albuterol are the first-line
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treatment for acute asthma exacerbations due to their rapid bronchodilator
effect. Inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs are for long-term control .
4. A client with a tracheostomy is being suctioned. Which finding indicates the
need to stop suctioning immediately?
A. Copious secretions are being removed
B. The client's heart rate decreases from 88 to 52 bpm
C. The client coughs during suctioning
D. The suction catheter meets resistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bradycardia during suctioning indicates vagal stimulation and requires
immediate cessation of suctioning. Other signs to stop include hypoxemia,
arrhythmias, and severe coughing .
5. A nurse is teaching a client with COPD about home oxygen therapy. Which
statement indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should increase my oxygen flow rate during exercise without consulting my
provider."
B. "I should use my oxygen only when I feel short of breath."
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C. "I should keep my oxygen flow rate at the prescribed level and not adjust it."
D. "I should use oxygen at 10 L/min via nasal cannula at night."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with COPD should maintain their prescribed oxygen flow rate
and not adjust it without provider guidance. Excessive oxygen can suppress the
hypoxic drive and cause carbon dioxide retention .
6. A client is diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Which finding is most
concerning?
A. Pleuritic chest pain
B. Sudden onset of dyspnea with hypotension
C. Heart rate of 100 bpm
D. Anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea with hypotension in a client with PE indicates
hemodynamic instability and possible massive PE. This requires immediate
intervention, including oxygen, IV fluids, and anticoagulation .
MEDSURG 2 NUR 265 ATI OXYGENATION
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS AND
RATIONALES
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a history of COPD who reports increased
shortness of breath and a productive cough. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
C. Use of accessory muscles with pursed-lip breathing
D. Oxygen saturation of 82% with confusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 82% with confusion indicates severe
hypoxemia and possible carbon dioxide retention. This requires immediate
intervention, including oxygen administration and provider notification. Confusion
in a COPD client may indicate worsening hypercapnia .
,2|Page
2. A client is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which assessment
finding indicates the therapy is effective?
A. Respiratory rate decreases from 28 to 20 breaths per minute
B. Oxygen saturation increases from 88% to 94%
C. Client reports decreased shortness of breath
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Effective oxygen therapy is indicated by improved oxygen saturation,
decreased work of breathing (respiratory rate), and subjective improvement in
dyspnea. All findings indicate therapeutic effectiveness .
3. A nurse is caring for a client with an acute asthma exacerbation. Which
medication should be administered first?
A. Inhaled corticosteroid
B. Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA)
C. Long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
D. Oral leukotriene modifier
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) such as albuterol are the first-line
,3|Page
treatment for acute asthma exacerbations due to their rapid bronchodilator
effect. Inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs are for long-term control .
4. A client with a tracheostomy is being suctioned. Which finding indicates the
need to stop suctioning immediately?
A. Copious secretions are being removed
B. The client's heart rate decreases from 88 to 52 bpm
C. The client coughs during suctioning
D. The suction catheter meets resistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bradycardia during suctioning indicates vagal stimulation and requires
immediate cessation of suctioning. Other signs to stop include hypoxemia,
arrhythmias, and severe coughing .
5. A nurse is teaching a client with COPD about home oxygen therapy. Which
statement indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should increase my oxygen flow rate during exercise without consulting my
provider."
B. "I should use my oxygen only when I feel short of breath."
, 4|Page
C. "I should keep my oxygen flow rate at the prescribed level and not adjust it."
D. "I should use oxygen at 10 L/min via nasal cannula at night."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with COPD should maintain their prescribed oxygen flow rate
and not adjust it without provider guidance. Excessive oxygen can suppress the
hypoxic drive and cause carbon dioxide retention .
6. A client is diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Which finding is most
concerning?
A. Pleuritic chest pain
B. Sudden onset of dyspnea with hypotension
C. Heart rate of 100 bpm
D. Anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea with hypotension in a client with PE indicates
hemodynamic instability and possible massive PE. This requires immediate
intervention, including oxygen, IV fluids, and anticoagulation .
