NCLEX Medical-Surgical: Respiratory Conditions 2

Question 1

A client with COPD has an oxygen saturation of 88%. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Administer low-flow oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula

Answer

Low-flow oxygen is appropriate for COPD clients to avoid suppressing the hypoxic respiratory drive while correcting hypoxemia.

Question 2

Which acid-base imbalance is most commonly seen in a client with acute respiratory failure from COPD exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Answer

CO2 retention from impaired gas exchange lowers pH, producing respiratory acidosis.

Question 3

A nurse is teaching pursed-lip breathing to a client with emphysema. What is the primary benefit?

Accepted Answer

It prevents airway collapse and promotes CO2 elimination

Answer

Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure that keeps airways open longer, improving exhalation of trapped CO2.

Question 4

Which finding indicates worsening status in a client with an acute asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

A suddenly quiet chest with absent wheezing

Answer

A silent chest signals severely reduced airflow and impending respiratory failure, a medical emergency.

Question 5

A client is prescribed albuterol and beclomethasone inhalers. In what order should they be used?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol first, then beclomethasone

Answer

The bronchodilator (albuterol) is used first to open airways so the steroid (beclomethasone) can reach deeper.

NCLEX Practice Test