Med-Surg Respiratory System Exam (1/2) – Foundations,
Diagnostics & Nursing Care Verified Questions Provided
with A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What are the key functions of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange
Provides oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
What is the function of the pluera?
Surrounds and cushions the lungs.
What is ventilation?
Flow of air into and out of alveoli.
What is diffusion?
Exchange of O2 and CO2 between alveoli and red blood cells.
What is perfusion?
Exchange of O2 and CO2 between red blood cells and tissues.
What do ABG's assess?
Acid-base balance using sample of arterial blood.
What are the components of ABG's?
pH: 7.35-7.45
PaCO2: 35-45
HCO3: 22-26
PaO2: 80-100
SaO2: 95-100%
What do pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess?
Evaluates lung function.
What is a bronchoscopy?
Insertion of tube into airway to view airway and collect specimens.
, What is the nursing care before a bronchoscopy?
Patient NPO for 4-8 hours
Give prescribed medications
What is the nursing care after a bronchoscopy?
Ensure gag reflex has returned before giving food/drink.
Sore/dry throat and blood-tinged mucous is expected.
Monitor for complications (pneumothorax).
What is a thoracentesis?
Insertion of needle into posterior chest to remove fluid or air from pleural space.
What is the nursing care before a thoracentesis?
Patient sits upright with arms supported on table/pillows.
Patient should not talk, move, or cough.
What is the nursing care after a thoracentesis?
Monitor for complications (pneumothorax, bleeding, hypotension).
Patient should take deep breaths.
What is hypoxemia?
Low oxygen in arterial blood (< 80 mmHg)
What is hypoxia?
Low oxygen in body tissues.
What are the early signs/symptoms of hypoxia?
Restlessness
Irritability
Abnormal breathing
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Hypertension
Pallor
Diagnostics & Nursing Care Verified Questions Provided
with A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What are the key functions of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange
Provides oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
What is the function of the pluera?
Surrounds and cushions the lungs.
What is ventilation?
Flow of air into and out of alveoli.
What is diffusion?
Exchange of O2 and CO2 between alveoli and red blood cells.
What is perfusion?
Exchange of O2 and CO2 between red blood cells and tissues.
What do ABG's assess?
Acid-base balance using sample of arterial blood.
What are the components of ABG's?
pH: 7.35-7.45
PaCO2: 35-45
HCO3: 22-26
PaO2: 80-100
SaO2: 95-100%
What do pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess?
Evaluates lung function.
What is a bronchoscopy?
Insertion of tube into airway to view airway and collect specimens.
, What is the nursing care before a bronchoscopy?
Patient NPO for 4-8 hours
Give prescribed medications
What is the nursing care after a bronchoscopy?
Ensure gag reflex has returned before giving food/drink.
Sore/dry throat and blood-tinged mucous is expected.
Monitor for complications (pneumothorax).
What is a thoracentesis?
Insertion of needle into posterior chest to remove fluid or air from pleural space.
What is the nursing care before a thoracentesis?
Patient sits upright with arms supported on table/pillows.
Patient should not talk, move, or cough.
What is the nursing care after a thoracentesis?
Monitor for complications (pneumothorax, bleeding, hypotension).
Patient should take deep breaths.
What is hypoxemia?
Low oxygen in arterial blood (< 80 mmHg)
What is hypoxia?
Low oxygen in body tissues.
What are the early signs/symptoms of hypoxia?
Restlessness
Irritability
Abnormal breathing
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Hypertension
Pallor
