A 49-year-old male patient has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and chest congestion, for the past four days.

He visited the emergency department (ED) last night due to increased difficulty in breathing.

The patient has a 20-year history of smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day and has no significant medical or surgical history.

The nurse has placed the patient on a cardiorespiratory monitor and administered a nasal cannula. After completing an assessment, the nurse documented the findings in the patient’s chart.

Which assessment findings indicate hypoxia?

Productive cough

Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute

Oxygen saturation of 90% on room air

Heart rate of 101 beats/minute

Capillary refill of 4 seconds

Blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,D

Choice A rationale
A productive cough is not a specific indicator of hypoxia. It could be a symptom of many conditions, including a common cold, flu, or other respiratory tract infections.
Choice B rationale

A respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths/minute for adults), indicating that the patient may be trying to increase oxygen intake and eliminate carbon dioxide due to hypoxia.
Choice C rationale
An oxygen saturation of 90% on room air is lower than the normal range (95%-100%). This indicates that the patient’s blood is not carrying as much oxygen as it should, which is a sign of hypoxia.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 101 beats/minute is higher than the normal range (60-100 beats/minute for adults). This could be a response to hypoxia as the body tries to deliver more oxygen to the tissues.
Choice E rationale
A capillary refill of 4 seconds is slightly longer than the normal range (less than 2 seconds). While this could indicate poor peripheral circulation, it is not a specific or direct indicator of hypoxia.
Choice F rationale
A blood pressure of 145/89 mm Hg is higher than the normal range (less than 120/80 mm Hg). While hypertension could be related to many factors, it is not a specific indicator of hypoxia.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
If a patient suddenly experiences numbness and weakness on the right side of their body, including their arm and leg, and a distinct droop on the right side of the patient’s face, these are warning signs of a stroke. The nurse’s first course of action should be to initiate two large- bore IV catheters and review the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy. This is because rapid administration of fibrinolytic therapy can significantly improve outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Choice B rationale
Continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction is important, but the immediate priority is to prepare for potential fibrinolytic therapy.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees and keeping the head and neck in neutral alignment can be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario.

Choice D rationale
Administering aspirin can help prevent further clot formation and platelet aggregation in patients with acute coronary syndrome or those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, in the case of a suspected stroke, immediate medical evaluation and potential fibrinolytic therapy are the priorities.

A. Utilize an electric heating pad when the pain is at its worst. B. Refrain from taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid. C. Consume high protein foods to achieve ideal body weight. D. Encourage active range of motion to limit stiffness.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Using an electric heating pad when the pain is at its worst is not recommended for a client with gout. Heat can increase inflammation and exacerbate pain. Instead, applying a cold pack to the inflamed joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Choice B rationale
Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, can increase uric acid levels in the blood and exacerbate gout symptoms. Therefore, clients with gout should avoid taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid.
Choice C rationale
Consuming high-protein foods can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger a gout attack. Clients with gout are usually advised to follow a low-purine diet, which involves limiting the intake of high-purine foods such as red meat and seafood.

Choice D rationale
Encouraging active range of motion to limit stiffness may not be appropriate for a client with an acute gout attack. During an attack, moving the affected joint can be extremely painful. Rest and immobilization of the affected joint are usually recommended during this time.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is educating a first-time pregnant woman about preeclampsia. Which symptoms are indicators of preeclampsia and should be reported to the healthcare provider? Select all that apply.

The nurse inspects the airway and finds no visible trauma, and the airway appears to be patent. What other assessment items are included in the primary survey? Select all that apply.

An intravenous (IV) antibiotic is prescribed for a patient with a postoperative infection. The medication is to be administered in 4 divided doses. Which schedule is best for administering this prescription?

The nurse instructs an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn an immobilized older client with an indwelling urinary catheter every two hours. Which additional action should the nurse instruct the UAP to take each time the client is turned?

The nurse is developing the plan of care for a client diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome and identifies that the client’s risk factors include poor wound healing, decreased bone density, and increased capillary fragility. Which outcome statement should the nurse include in the plan of care?