NCLEX NGN EAQ RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026
1. A nurse is caring for a client with respiratory acidosis. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result
should the nurse expect?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 52, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 35, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 28, HCO3 22
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than
7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg) due to carbon dioxide retention.
2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires a precise
concentration of oxygen. Which oxygen delivery device should the nurse use?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
,D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Venturi mask is the most accurate device for delivering a
specific oxygen concentration (FiO2) to clients with COPD.
3. The nurse is suctioning a client’s tracheostomy. What is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suction?
A. 5 seconds
B. 30 seconds
C. 20 to 25 seconds
D. 10 to 15 seconds
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10 to 15 seconds to prevent
hypoxia and mucosal damage.
4. A nurse observes constant bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube drainage
system. What does this finding indicate?
A. The system is functioning normally.
B. There is an air leak in the system.
C. The lung has fully re-expanded.
D. The suction pressure is too high.
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air
leak, whereas intermittent bubbling (tidaling) is normal during respiration.
5. Which medication should the nurse instruct a client with asthma to use for an acute
‘rescue’ situation?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Montelukast
D. Albuterol
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) used as a rescue
medication for rapid bronchodilation during acute asthma symptoms.
6. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which type of precautions
should the nurse implement?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Contact precautions
C. Droplet precautions
D. Standard precautions
Answer: A
SYSTEM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026
1. A nurse is caring for a client with respiratory acidosis. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result
should the nurse expect?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 52, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 35, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 28, HCO3 22
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than
7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg) due to carbon dioxide retention.
2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires a precise
concentration of oxygen. Which oxygen delivery device should the nurse use?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
,D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Venturi mask is the most accurate device for delivering a
specific oxygen concentration (FiO2) to clients with COPD.
3. The nurse is suctioning a client’s tracheostomy. What is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suction?
A. 5 seconds
B. 30 seconds
C. 20 to 25 seconds
D. 10 to 15 seconds
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 10 to 15 seconds to prevent
hypoxia and mucosal damage.
4. A nurse observes constant bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube drainage
system. What does this finding indicate?
A. The system is functioning normally.
B. There is an air leak in the system.
C. The lung has fully re-expanded.
D. The suction pressure is too high.
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air
leak, whereas intermittent bubbling (tidaling) is normal during respiration.
5. Which medication should the nurse instruct a client with asthma to use for an acute
‘rescue’ situation?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Montelukast
D. Albuterol
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) used as a rescue
medication for rapid bronchodilation during acute asthma symptoms.
6. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which type of precautions
should the nurse implement?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Contact precautions
C. Droplet precautions
D. Standard precautions
Answer: A
