Nursing Care: Complex Oxygenation Alterations – High-Yield Exam Questions with Rationales Graded A+ Latest Updated 2026

Nursing Care: Complex Oxygenation Alterations – High-Yield Exam Questions with Rationales Graded A+ Latest Updated 2026 Which communication methods are used to interact with an alert client who is intubated and requires mechanical ventilation? Select all that apply. Writing notes with pen and paper Asking yes or no questions Communication board The nurse is assessing a client with end-stage emphysema. The client is receiving oxygen at 5 L/min by nasal cannula. Which finding is most concerning to the nurse? Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute The nurse is caring for clients on a respiratory unit. Which client should the nurse assess first? A client with asthma who reports shortness of breath after using an inhaled bronchodilator The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory failure. For each nursing action in the left column, click to specify which step of the nursing process is completed. Select only one answer for each row. Assessment: Observe the client and the surrounding environment. Analysis/Diagnosis: Identify the client's clinical problems. Investigate the causes contributing to the client's cough. Planning: Identify achievable goals to improve oxygenation. Implementation: Contact respiratory therapy to administer oxygen therapy. Provide oral care every 2 hours Evaluation: Determine improvement in lung sounds after administration of albuterol. What are potential respiratory complications the nurse should recognize when caring for an older adult? Select all that apply. Aspiration Pneumonia For each situation in the left column, which oxygen delivery device would be used to best meet the client's needs? Select one oxygen delivery device for each example. OPA—oropharyngeal airway BiPAP—bilevel positive airway pressure LMA—laryngeal mask airway ETT— endotracheal tube Client is having a knee replacement under general anesthesia. ETT Client has severe sleep apnea and snores. BiPAP Client is unresponsive and not maintaining an airway making bag-valve-mask ventilation difficult. OPA Client has neck trauma after a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and has stopped breathing. LMA Several clients are unable to communicate verbally due to their oxygen equipment. Which communication methods are appropriate to meet each client's communication needs? Note: More than one method of communication may be available for each client. Client who has a tracheostomy, is on a ventilator, and is blind Yes/No Questions Client who is intubated, on a ventilator, alert and oriented, and can read and write ALL Client who uses a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) device continuously and has severe hearing impairment Paper and Pencil Picture Board Client who is intubated, on a ventilator, unable to read or write, cognitive function is at 6- to 8-years-old, and is alert and cooperative Picture Board Yes/No Questions Client who is on a ventilator and receiving narcotic analgesics for pain ALL A nurse is caring for an older adult client with pneumonia experiencing dyspnea. Vital signs: Blood pressure 148/90, heart rate 122, respiratory rate 30, and SpO2 is 88% on room air. Review the nursing actions and match them with the appropriate rationale. Place the client in a semi-Fowler's position Provide expansion of the lungs and facilitates deeper breaths Monitor client's behavior and mental status Recognize altered cerebral function due to acute hypoxia Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises Mobilize and clear lung secretions Monitor respiratory rate, breathing pattern, and SpO2 Identify worsening or improving gas exchange and need for further nursing actions Administer oxygen therapy and prescribed bronchdilators as needed Support the oxygenation needs of the client Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature Identify the onset of sepsis, fluid imbalance, and arrhythmias Review the nurses' notes and the client's vital signs. Select the three findings that require immediate follow-up by the nurse audible, soft wheeze 122 32 The nurse on a step-down unit is working with a 51-year-old client with asthma who reports shortness of breath after the last dose of a prescribed bronchodilator inhaler. Review the client's electronic health record (EHR) and then answer the question. status asthmaticus known allergen The nurse on a step-down unit is working with a 51-year-old client with asthma who reports shortness of breath after the last dose of a prescribed bronchodilator inhaler. Review the client's electronic health record (EHR) and then answer the question. oxygen saturation wheezing The nurse on a step-down unit is working with a 51-year-old client with asthma who reports shortness of breath after the last dose of a prescribed bronchodilator inhaler. Review the client's electronic health record (EHR) and then answer the question. Indicated: Remind the client to exhale using pursed lip breathing. Remove flowers from the room. Consult respiratory therapy. Provide continuous pulse oximetry measurement. Nonessential: Encourage the use of the incentive spirometer. Contraindicated: Place the client in a supine position. The nurse has received orders from the healthcare provider. Which two actions should the nurse prioritize? Oxygen 4 L/min per nasal cannula Albuterol 2.5 mg/kg pe