CCC3 EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE – RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Actual Questions and Correct Answers A+ Graded

CCC3 EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE –
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Actual Questions
and Correct Answers A+ Graded


CCC3 EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE – RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Actual Questions and Correct Answers | A+ Graded | 2025/2026 Edition


Source: CCC3 Course Curriculum / Nursing Fundamentals
Topics: Respiratory Assessment, Disorders, Medications, Nursing Interventions
Format: Questions with Verified Answers & Explanations




PART 1: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DEFENSE MECHANISMS




QUESTION 1: What are the respiratory system's defense mechanisms? (Select
all that apply)


Correct Answers: Mucus, Surfactant, Coughing, Sneezing


Explanation: These four mechanisms protect the respiratory tract. Mucus traps
particles, surfactant keeps alveoli open, coughing expels irritants, and sneezing
clears nasal passages [citation:1][citation:2][citation:3].




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,PART 2: BREATH SOUNDS AND ASSESSMENT




QUESTION 2: Which breath sounds are heard over the anterior third of the
chest near the sternum and around the scapula, with equal inspiration and
expiration?


Correct Answer: Bronchovesicular


Explanation: Bronchovesicular breath sounds are normal and characterized by
equal duration of inspiration and expiration. They are heard near the sternum
and between the scapulae [citation:1][citation:2][citation:4].


QUESTION 3: What are the different types of breath sounds?


Correct Answer: Vesicular, Bronchovesicular, Bronchial, and Adventitious


Explanation: Normal breath sounds include Vesicular (soft, low-pitched over
lung tissue), Bronchovesicular (medium pitch near sternum), and Bronchial
(loud, high-pitched over trachea). Adventitious sounds are abnormal
[citation:4].


QUESTION 4: What are vesicular breath sounds?


Correct Answer: Soft, low-pitched sounds heard over lung tissue (to level of 6th
intercostal space). Inspiration is 2-3 times longer than expiration [citation:4].


QUESTION 5: What are abnormal (adventitious) breath sounds?


Correct Answer:
- Crackles (Rales): Fine, snap/popping sounds from fluid in small airways

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, - Rhonchi: Low-pitched, rattling sounds from secretions in larger airways
- Wheezing: High-pitched, whistling or musical sounds from narrowed airways
- Diminished: Decreased or absent breath sounds
- Stridor: Harsh, high-pitched sound indicating tracheal obstruction (medical
emergency)
- Pleural friction rub: Grating or scratchy sound from inflamed pleural surfaces
[citation:1][citation:2][citation:3]


QUESTION 6: What is the fine snap/popping sound in lungs called?


Correct Answer: Crackles (also called Rales) [citation:1][citation:2][citation:3]


QUESTION 7: Which breath sound indicates tracheal obstruction?


Correct Answer: Stridor – signifies striving to breathe; medical emergency
[citation:1][citation:2][citation:3]


QUESTION 8: When does a pleural friction rub stop?


Correct Answer: Pain stops when the patient holds their breath [citation:4].




PART 3: PULSE OXIMETRY AND OXYGEN THERAPY




QUESTION 9: If oxygen levels drop, what actions should you take, and in what
order?


Correct Answer: 1. Raise Head of Bed [citation:1][citation:2][citation:3]


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