RESPIRATORY
AIRWAY & OXYGENATION
GASTROINTESTINAL CATEGORY
GI DISORDERS & NCLEX PRIORITIES
Respiratory meds
100

This assessment finding is an early sign of hypoxia

Restlessness or anxiety

100

This oxygen delivery device provides the highest concentration of oxygen.

Non-rebreather mask

100

This assessment finding is most concerning in a client with GI bleeding.

Black, tarry stools (melena)

100

Which diet is appropriate for a client with GERD?

Low-fat, non-spicy diet

100

This short-acting beta-agonist is used for acute asthma attacks.

Albuterol

200

The nurse should place a client with suspected aspiration pneumonia in this position.

High-Fowler’s position

200

The nurse should encourage this technique to prevent atelectasis postoperatively.

Incentive spirometry

200

The nurse should expect this lab value to be decreased in chronic liver disease.

Albumin

200

The nurse should position a client with a nasogastric tube how to prevent aspiration?

Head of bed elevated 30–45°

200

What is the priority assessment before administering a beta-agonist inhaler?

Heart rate

300

This ABG finding indicates respiratory acidosis.

pH < 7.35 and PaCO₂ > 45 mmHg

300

Stridor heard in a client indicates this life-threatening condition.

Upper airway obstruction

300

A client with pancreatitis should be kept NPO for what primary reason?

To reduce pancreatic enzyme secretion

300

A client with Crohn’s disease is at highest risk for this complication.

Malnutrition

300

A client using inhaled corticosteroids should be taught to do what after each use?

Rinse mouth to prevent oral candidiasis

400

A client with COPD is receiving oxygen. What is the priority nursing action?

Monitor oxygen saturation and respiratory status closely (avoid excessive oxygen)

400

A client with asthma is experiencing wheezing and dyspnea. What medication should the nurse administer first?

Short-acting beta-agonist (albuterol)

400

This electrolyte imbalance is common with prolonged vomiting.

Hypokalemia

400

After abdominal surgery, absence of bowel sounds most likely indicates:

Paralytic ileus

400

This medication is commonly prescribed for long-term control of asthma and decreases airway inflammation.

Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone)

500

A client with a chest tube has continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What does this indicate?

An air leak

500

A client suddenly develops dyspnea, chest pain, and hypotension after surgery. What is the priority suspected diagnosis?

Pulmonary embolism

500

A client with cirrhosis develops confusion and asterixis. What is the priority intervention?

Administer lactulose

500

A client with peptic ulcer disease is prescribed a proton pump inhibitor. What is the primary therapeutic effect of this medication?

Decreases gastric acid secretion

500

This anticholinergic inhaler is commonly used for COPD and can cause dry mouth.

Ipratropium

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