Skills II (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. The nurse is assessing a patient with suspected hypoxia. Which symptom is an
early sign of hypoxia?
A) Restlessness
B) Cyanosis
C) Bradycardia
D) Bradypnea
Correct Answer: Restlessness
Rationale: Early signs of hypoxia include restlessness, confusion, anxiety, and
tachycardia as the brain and heart respond to low oxygen levels. Cyanosis,
bradycardia, and bradypnea are late signs.
2. What is the gold standard laboratory test for evaluating gas exchange in the
lungs?
A) Pulse oximetry
B) Arterial blood gas (ABG)
C) Chest x-ray
D) Spirometry
Correct Answer: Arterial blood gas (ABG)
,Rationale: ABG directly measures pH, PaCO2, PaO2, and bicarbonate, providing
precise information about oxygenation, ventilation, and acid‑base status. Pulse
oximetry is a noninvasive estimate.
3. The nurse is monitoring a patient on a non‑rebreather mask. The reservoir
bag collapses during inspiration. What action should the nurse take?
A) Decrease the flow rate
B) Switch to a simple mask
C) Increase the flow rate
D) Suction the airway
Correct Answer: Increase the flow rate
Rationale: A collapsing reservoir bag indicates that the oxygen flow is
insufficient to meet the patient’s inspiratory demand. Increasing the flow rate
ensures the bag remains partially inflated.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with COPD who is at risk for retaining carbon
dioxide if given high‑flow oxygen. Which oxygen delivery device delivers a
precise low concentration and is recommended for these patients?
A) Nasal cannula
B) Simple face mask
C) Non‑rebreather mask
D) Venturi mask
Correct Answer: Venturi mask
, Rationale: The Venturi mask uses a fixed‑performance system to deliver a
specific oxygen concentration regardless of the patient’s breathing pattern,
reducing the risk of suppressing the hypoxic drive in COPD.
5. The nurse is providing tracheostomy care. When the tracheostomy tube
becomes obstructed, what should the nurse do first?
A) Remove the inner cannula
B) Increase suction pressure
C) Notify the provider
D) Replace the entire tracheostomy tube
Correct Answer: Remove the inner cannula
Rationale: If an obstruction is suspected, removing the inner cannula can quickly
clear the airway. Many tracheostomy tubes have a disposable inner cannula
that can be replaced.
6. Which chamber of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs?
A) Left atrium
B) Right ventricle
C) Left ventricle
D) Right atrium
Correct Answer: Right ventricle