NCLEX NGN EAQ RESPIRATORY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a suspected tension pneumothorax. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize?
A. Dullness on percussion
B. Increased breath sounds on the affected side
C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tension pneumothorax causes a shift of the mediastinum and
trachea toward the unaffected side due to building pressure, which is a life-threatening
emergency.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with COPD who is receiving oxygen. Which oxygen
saturation (SpO2) range is typically targeted for this client population?
A. 88-92%
B. 95-100%
C. 92-96%
,D. 80-85%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
high oxygen levels can suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe; therefore, a target SpO2 of
88-92% is often maintained.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a client undergoing a thoracentesis?
A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
B. Semi-Fowler’s on the unaffected side
C. Prone with the head turned to the side
D. Sitting upright and leaning forward over a bedside table
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sitting upright and leaning forward over a bedside table helps
spread the ribs, providing better access to the pleural space for the procedure.
4. A client is diagnosed with active Tuberculosis (TB). Which type of precautions should the
nurse implement?
A. Standard precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Contact precautions
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tuberculosis is transmitted via small droplets that remain
suspended in the air, necessitating airborne precautions, including a negative-pressure
room and N95 respirator.
5. The nurse is performing tracheostomy suctioning. What is the maximum duration for each
suction pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 60 seconds
C. 20-30 seconds
D. 10-15 seconds
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds to minimize the
risk of hypoxia and vagal stimulation.
6. A client returns to the unit following a bronchoscopy. Which assessment is the priority
before allowing the client to eat or drink?
A. Presence of a cough reflex
B. Bowel sounds in all four quadrants
C. Presence of a gag reflex
D. Ability to ambulate without assistance
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a suspected tension pneumothorax. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize?
A. Dullness on percussion
B. Increased breath sounds on the affected side
C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tension pneumothorax causes a shift of the mediastinum and
trachea toward the unaffected side due to building pressure, which is a life-threatening
emergency.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with COPD who is receiving oxygen. Which oxygen
saturation (SpO2) range is typically targeted for this client population?
A. 88-92%
B. 95-100%
C. 92-96%
,D. 80-85%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
high oxygen levels can suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe; therefore, a target SpO2 of
88-92% is often maintained.
3. Which position is most appropriate for a client undergoing a thoracentesis?
A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
B. Semi-Fowler’s on the unaffected side
C. Prone with the head turned to the side
D. Sitting upright and leaning forward over a bedside table
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sitting upright and leaning forward over a bedside table helps
spread the ribs, providing better access to the pleural space for the procedure.
4. A client is diagnosed with active Tuberculosis (TB). Which type of precautions should the
nurse implement?
A. Standard precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Contact precautions
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Tuberculosis is transmitted via small droplets that remain
suspended in the air, necessitating airborne precautions, including a negative-pressure
room and N95 respirator.
5. The nurse is performing tracheostomy suctioning. What is the maximum duration for each
suction pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. 60 seconds
C. 20-30 seconds
D. 10-15 seconds
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds to minimize the
risk of hypoxia and vagal stimulation.
6. A client returns to the unit following a bronchoscopy. Which assessment is the priority
before allowing the client to eat or drink?
A. Presence of a cough reflex
B. Bowel sounds in all four quadrants
C. Presence of a gag reflex
D. Ability to ambulate without assistance
