PCCN Respiratory System

Question 1

Which arterial blood gas (ABG) finding is most consistent with respiratory acidosis?

Accepted Answer

pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 50 mmHg

Answer

pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30 mmHg

Answer

pH 7.48, HCO₃ 30 mEq/L

Answer

pH 7.36, PaCO₂ 40 mmHg

Question 2

Which breath sound is most commonly associated with fluid in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Fine crackles

Answer

Rhonchi

Answer

Stridor

Answer

Wheezes

Question 3

What is the primary reason to place a patient in high Fowler’s position during a respiratory distress episode?

Accepted Answer

Facilitate diaphragmatic expansion

Answer

Reduce blood pressure

Answer

Prevent aspiration

Answer

Improve venous return

Question 4

A nurse assesses a tracheostomy patient and notes a sudden drop in oxygen saturation and the sound of air escaping. What should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Cuff leak or tracheostomy dislodgement

Answer

Tracheal stenosis

Answer

Mucus plug

Answer

Bronchospasm

Question 5

Which parameter is most reliable in evaluating the effectiveness of oxygen therapy?

Accepted Answer

SpO₂ level

Answer

Respiratory rate

Answer

Lung sounds

Answer

Capillary refill

Question 6

A patient with a history of COPD presents with confusion and somnolence. ABG results show pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 60 mmHg. What is the best initial nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the provider and consider BiPAP

Answer

Apply a non-rebreather mask

Answer

Encourage deep breathing and coughing

Answer

Prepare for intubation

Question 7

Which condition is characterized by a sudden onset of sharp chest pain and dyspnea, often associated with a pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Pulmonary edema

Answer

Pleural effusion

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 8

A patient with asthma is experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer first?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol nebulizer

Answer

Inhaled corticosteroid

Answer

Oral leukotriene inhibitor

Answer

Montelukast

Question 9

Which finding in a patient with pneumonia requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

New-onset confusion and restlessness

Answer

Productive cough with yellow sputum

Answer

Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Answer

Temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C)