A nurse is caring for a patient who is using a partial rebreather mask for oxygen therapy. The patient reports feeling short of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

Increase the flow rate of oxygen to improve oxygenation.

Assess the mask bag to ensure it remains inflated during inspiration and expiration.

Switch the patient to a non-rebreather mask for higher oxygen delivery.

Reassure the patient that shortness of breath is common with this type of mask.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the flow rate of oxygen may not be the priority action because the patient's shortness of breath could be due to a problem with the mask itself, rather than the amount of oxygen being delivered. Before making any adjustments to the oxygen flow rate, it is essential to assess the equipment's integrity.

Choice B rationale:

This is the priority action because a partial rebreather mask relies on the patient's exhaled breath to partially fill the reservoir bag. If the mask bag does not remain inflated during both inspiration and expiration, the patient may not be receiving the appropriate oxygen concentration, leading to increased shortness of breath. Checking the mask bag ensures that the mask is functioning correctly and delivering the intended oxygen concentration.

Choice C rationale:

Switching the patient to a non-rebreather mask for higher oxygen delivery is not the priority action in this scenario. The non-rebreather mask is used when high oxygen concentrations are required, such as in emergencies or when a patient's condition requires immediate intervention. However, the priority at this moment is to assess the current equipment's effectiveness before considering a change in oxygen delivery method.

Choice D rationale:

Reassuring the patient that shortness of breath is common with this type of mask is not appropriate without first addressing the issue at hand. The nurse should first assess the mask's functionality to ensure it is working correctly and providing the appropriate oxygen concentration before addressing the patient's concerns.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should connect the nasal cannula to a humidifier first. Dry and irritated nares are common side effects of oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, and using a humidifier adds moisture to the oxygen, reducing irritation and discomfort for the patient.

Choice A rationale:

Applying petroleum jelly to the nares is not the first action to take. It might provide temporary relief, but it is essential to address the root cause of dryness, which is the lack of moisture in the oxygen delivered.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing the flow rate of oxygen is not the first step because it may not address the dryness issue. It can lead to a higher concentration of oxygen, but it won't solve the problem of dry and irritated nares.

Choice C rationale:

Changing the nasal cannula to a face mask is not necessary to address the dryness. Face masks may not be well-tolerated by some patients, and it's better to try less invasive interventions first.

A. Venturi mask. B. Tracheostomy collar. C. T-piece. D. Aerosol mask. E. Mechanical ventilator.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Venturi masks are not typically used with tracheostomy patients, as they are more suitable for patients with intact upper airways.

Choice B rationale:

Tracheostomy collars are specifically designed for patients with tracheostomies. They provide oxygen directly to the tracheostomy tube, making them appropriate for weaning tracheostomized patients from mechanical ventilation.

Choice C rationale:

T-piece adapters are commonly used for patients with tracheostomies to deliver oxygen. They are simple devices that deliver oxygen directly to the tracheostomy tube.

Choice D rationale:

Aerosol masks are not specifically designed for tracheostomy patients and may not provide adequate oxygen delivery for them.

Choice E rationale:

Mechanical ventilators are not an oxygen delivery device; instead, they are used to provide mechanical ventilation support to the patient and can incorporate various oxygen delivery systems.

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A nurse is caring for a patient who is using a partial rebreather mask for oxygen therapy. The patient reports feeling short of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. The nurse notices that the patient's nares are dry and irritated. What should the nurse do first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

(Select all that apply): A client with a tracheostomy is being weaned from mechanical ventilation. Which of the following oxygen delivery devices can be used for this client?

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a patient who has a prescription for home oxygen therapy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.).

A nurse is caring for a client who is dyspneic and slightly cyanotic, with a respiratory rate of 28/min. The nurse determines that the client has impaired gas exchange during which of the following phases of the nursing process?

A nurse is planning care for a patient who has a tracheostomy and requires oxygen therapy via tracheostomy collar. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Which of the following oxygen delivery devices provides the most precise and consistent fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) regardless of the patient's breathing pattern?

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen therapy via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min. The nurse should recognize that this device has which of the following advantages?(Select all that apply)

A nurse is teaching a client who is going home on continuous liquid oxygen therapy. The client asks the nurse, "How do I know when to refill the oxygen tank?”. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

A nurse is planning care for a patient who has a tracheostomy and requires oxygen therapy via tracheostomy collar. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

What is the most appropriate oxygen delivery device for a client with thick secretions, dry mucous membranes, or upper airway edema?