ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Related

Review ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam related questions and content

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min now has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. What action should the nurse take first?

  • A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min.
  • B. Administer a bronchodilator via nebulizer.
  • C. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
  • D. Assess the client's mental status and level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, assessing the client's mental status and level of consciousness. This is the first action to take because a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min in a COPD client receiving oxygen therapy may indicate respiratory depression or impending respiratory failure. Assessing mental status and level of consciousness can help determine if the client is experiencing hypoxia. Increasing oxygen flow rate (A) without assessing the client first can be dangerous if the client is retaining carbon dioxide. Administering a bronchodilator (B) may not address the underlying issue of respiratory depression. Encouraging deep breaths (C) may not be appropriate if the client is in respiratory distress.