LPN Respiratory Care and Oxygenation 3

Question 1

An intubated patient's ventilator alarm sounds, showing high peak airway pressure. What should the LPN do first?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient and check tubing for kinks or obstruction

Answer

A high-pressure alarm may indicate secretions, patient biting the tube, tubing kinks, or bronchospasm; the LPN must first assess the patient and check for tubing issues.

Question 2

Which intervention is most effective for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in an intubated patient?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining head of bed elevation at 30-45 degrees

Answer

Elevating the head of bed 30-45 degrees reduces aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions, which is the primary mechanism by which VAP develops.

Question 3

After a thoracentesis, which assessment finding requires the LPN to report immediately to the physician?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of dyspnea and tracheal deviation

Answer

Sudden dyspnea and tracheal deviation after thoracentesis may indicate tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Question 4

Which technique describes correct use of incentive spirometry?

Accepted Answer

Inhale slowly and deeply, hold breath 3-5 seconds, then exhale slowly

Answer

Correct incentive spirometry requires slow, deep inhalation to expand alveoli, a 3-5 second breath hold to maintain alveolar expansion, then slow exhalation.

Question 5

A patient has a chest tube connected to water-seal drainage. The LPN notices the water level in the water-seal chamber fluctuates with each breath. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Normal functioning of the water-seal drainage system

Answer

Fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber with respiration is normal and confirms the system is patent; tidaling stops when the lung fully expands.

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN Respiratory Care and Oxygenation 3