WGU D446 Adult Health 2 (2026) – 25 High-Yield Practice Questions + Rapid
Review Cheat Sheet
Section 1: Respiratory Disorders (Questions 1-25)
1. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Which
of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
B. Apply a high-flow nasal cannula at 15 L/min
C. Administer a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) nebulizer treatment
D. Place the client in a supine position to rest
Answer: C
Rationale: In an acute asthma exacerbation, the priority is to rapidly relieve
bronchospasm. Short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) are the first-line
treatment for acute symptoms . A high-flow nasal cannula may be needed, but it
is secondary to opening the airway. LABAs are used for long-term control, not
acute attacks.
2. A client with COPD has an SpO2 of 88%. The nurse prepares to administer
oxygen. What is the target oxygen saturation range for this client?
,A. 90-92%
B. 94-98%
C. 100%
D. 88-92%
Answer: D
Rationale: In COPD, the respiratory drive may be triggered by hypoxia (hypoxic
drive). Administering too much oxygen can suppress this drive and cause
respiratory failure. The target SpO2 for a patient with COPD is typically 88-92% to
maintain adequate oxygenation without eliminating the hypoxic drive .
3. The nurse is caring for a client with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Assessment findings include wheezing, pleuritic chest pain, copious yellow
sputum, and an SpO2 of 84% on room air. Which of the following is the most
concerning finding?
A. Wheezing
B. Pleuritic chest pain
C. Copious yellow sputum
D. SpO2 of 84%
,Answer: D
Rationale: An SpO2 of 84% indicates significant hypoxia and requires immediate
intervention with oxygen therapy . While the other symptoms are concerning and
require intervention, hypoxia poses the most immediate threat to life and aligns
with the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) prioritization framework.
4. A client with pneumonia is receiving IV antibiotics. Which nursing intervention
is most important to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?
A. Monitor the client's white blood cell (WBC) count
B. Assess lung sounds and SpO2
C. Encourage fluid intake
D. Monitor for adverse effects of the antibiotic
Answer: B
Rationale: While lab values, hydration, and side effects are important, the most
direct indicator of improving pneumonia is a return to baseline lung function.
Improved lung sounds (clear breath sounds) and increased SpO2 demonstrate
that the antibiotics and respiratory treatments are resolving the infection and
inflammation .
, 5. A nurse is teaching a client with COPD about dietary management. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. "Eat three large, high-carbohydrate meals daily."
B. "Drink fluids only with meals to avoid bloating."
C. "Eat small, frequent, high-protein, high-calorie meals."
D. "Avoid protein to reduce metabolic demand."
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with COPD have increased energy needs due to the work of
breathing and often experience early satiety. Small, frequent, high-protein, and
high-calorie meals help meet nutritional needs without causing excessive bloating
that can further restrict breathing .
6. A client with COPD is using pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary purpose
of this technique?
A. To increase oxygen intake
B. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
C. To reduce the work of breathing
Review Cheat Sheet
Section 1: Respiratory Disorders (Questions 1-25)
1. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Which
of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
B. Apply a high-flow nasal cannula at 15 L/min
C. Administer a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) nebulizer treatment
D. Place the client in a supine position to rest
Answer: C
Rationale: In an acute asthma exacerbation, the priority is to rapidly relieve
bronchospasm. Short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) are the first-line
treatment for acute symptoms . A high-flow nasal cannula may be needed, but it
is secondary to opening the airway. LABAs are used for long-term control, not
acute attacks.
2. A client with COPD has an SpO2 of 88%. The nurse prepares to administer
oxygen. What is the target oxygen saturation range for this client?
,A. 90-92%
B. 94-98%
C. 100%
D. 88-92%
Answer: D
Rationale: In COPD, the respiratory drive may be triggered by hypoxia (hypoxic
drive). Administering too much oxygen can suppress this drive and cause
respiratory failure. The target SpO2 for a patient with COPD is typically 88-92% to
maintain adequate oxygenation without eliminating the hypoxic drive .
3. The nurse is caring for a client with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Assessment findings include wheezing, pleuritic chest pain, copious yellow
sputum, and an SpO2 of 84% on room air. Which of the following is the most
concerning finding?
A. Wheezing
B. Pleuritic chest pain
C. Copious yellow sputum
D. SpO2 of 84%
,Answer: D
Rationale: An SpO2 of 84% indicates significant hypoxia and requires immediate
intervention with oxygen therapy . While the other symptoms are concerning and
require intervention, hypoxia poses the most immediate threat to life and aligns
with the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) prioritization framework.
4. A client with pneumonia is receiving IV antibiotics. Which nursing intervention
is most important to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?
A. Monitor the client's white blood cell (WBC) count
B. Assess lung sounds and SpO2
C. Encourage fluid intake
D. Monitor for adverse effects of the antibiotic
Answer: B
Rationale: While lab values, hydration, and side effects are important, the most
direct indicator of improving pneumonia is a return to baseline lung function.
Improved lung sounds (clear breath sounds) and increased SpO2 demonstrate
that the antibiotics and respiratory treatments are resolving the infection and
inflammation .
, 5. A nurse is teaching a client with COPD about dietary management. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. "Eat three large, high-carbohydrate meals daily."
B. "Drink fluids only with meals to avoid bloating."
C. "Eat small, frequent, high-protein, high-calorie meals."
D. "Avoid protein to reduce metabolic demand."
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with COPD have increased energy needs due to the work of
breathing and often experience early satiety. Small, frequent, high-protein, and
high-calorie meals help meet nutritional needs without causing excessive bloating
that can further restrict breathing .
6. A client with COPD is using pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary purpose
of this technique?
A. To increase oxygen intake
B. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
C. To reduce the work of breathing
