NCLEX NGN EAQ RESPIRATORY EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. A nurse is suctioning a client’s tracheostomy. What is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suctioning during one pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 20 seconds
C. 10 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10 to 15 seconds per pass to
prevent hypoxia and mucosal damage. Longer durations increase the risk of vagal
stimulation and bradycardia.
2. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which type of isolation
precautions should the nurse implement?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
,C. Protective environment
D. Airborne precautions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: TB is transmitted via small particles that stay suspended in the
air. Airborne precautions require a private negative-pressure room and the use of an N95
respirator.
3. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result indicates respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32 mmHg
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40 mmHg
D. pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than
7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg), indicating CO2 retention.
4. A client with COPD is taught pursed-lip breathing. The nurse explains that the primary
purpose of this technique is to:
A. Increase the respiratory rate
B. Promote CO2 elimination by preventing airway collapse
C. Strengthen the diaphragm
, D. Increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways,
which keeps the alveoli open longer during exhalation and helps remove trapped air (CO2).
5. A nurse is monitoring a client with a chest tube. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in
the water-seal chamber. What does this finding suggest?
A. A normal finding if the tube is to suction
B. The lung has fully re-expanded
C. An air leak is present in the system
D. The suction pressure is too high
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber is
normal during coughing or exhalation, continuous bubbling indicates an air leak in the
drainage system or the client’s pleural space.
6. A client presents to the ER with sudden onset of shortness of breath and chest pain. Which
diagnostic test is most commonly used to confirm a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Sputum culture
C. CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. A nurse is suctioning a client’s tracheostomy. What is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suctioning during one pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 20 seconds
C. 10 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10 to 15 seconds per pass to
prevent hypoxia and mucosal damage. Longer durations increase the risk of vagal
stimulation and bradycardia.
2. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which type of isolation
precautions should the nurse implement?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
,C. Protective environment
D. Airborne precautions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: TB is transmitted via small particles that stay suspended in the
air. Airborne precautions require a private negative-pressure room and the use of an N95
respirator.
3. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result indicates respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32 mmHg
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40 mmHg
D. pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than
7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg), indicating CO2 retention.
4. A client with COPD is taught pursed-lip breathing. The nurse explains that the primary
purpose of this technique is to:
A. Increase the respiratory rate
B. Promote CO2 elimination by preventing airway collapse
C. Strengthen the diaphragm
, D. Increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways,
which keeps the alveoli open longer during exhalation and helps remove trapped air (CO2).
5. A nurse is monitoring a client with a chest tube. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in
the water-seal chamber. What does this finding suggest?
A. A normal finding if the tube is to suction
B. The lung has fully re-expanded
C. An air leak is present in the system
D. The suction pressure is too high
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber is
normal during coughing or exhalation, continuous bubbling indicates an air leak in the
drainage system or the client’s pleural space.
6. A client presents to the ER with sudden onset of shortness of breath and chest pain. Which
diagnostic test is most commonly used to confirm a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A. Chest X-ray
B. Sputum culture
C. CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)
