NCLEX NGN EAQ RESPIRATORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A patient is admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Which oxygen delivery device is
most appropriate to provide a specific, precise concentration of oxygen?
A. Simple face mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Venturi mask is the most accurate device for delivering a
specific oxygen concentration (FiO2) to patients with COPD because it uses different sized
adaptors to mix a specific amount of room air with oxygen.
2. When assessing a patient with a chest tube, the nurse notes continuous bubbling in the
water-seal chamber. What does this finding suggest?
A. The lung has fully expanded.
B. There is an air leak in the system.
C. This is a normal finding during expiration.
,D. The suction pressure is set too high.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system. Intermittent bubbling is normal during coughing or exhalation, but
continuous bubbling requires immediate investigation.
3. A patient has just returned from a bronchoscopy. Which assessment is the priority before
allowing the patient to drink water?
A. Assessing for chest pain
B. Auscultating lung sounds
C. Monitoring heart rate
D. Checking the gag reflex
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bronchoscopy involves local anesthesia to the throat, which
suppresses the gag reflex. The nurse must verify the return of the gag reflex to prevent
aspiration before oral intake.
4. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a
severe asthma attack?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 26
, C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 30
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In a severe asthma attack, air trapping leads to CO2 retention,
causing respiratory acidosis (low pH and high PaCO2).
5. The nurse is teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer. Which instruction is
correct?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device.
B. Use the device once every 4 hours.
C. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece.
D. Hold your breath for 30 seconds after inhalation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Incentive spirometry requires slow, deep inhalations to
maximize lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. Patients should typically use it 5-10
times per hour while awake.
6. A patient with Tuberculosis (TB) is placed on airborne precautions. Which personal
protective equipment (PPE) is required for the nurse?
A. Surgical mask
B. Gown and gloves only
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A patient is admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Which oxygen delivery device is
most appropriate to provide a specific, precise concentration of oxygen?
A. Simple face mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Venturi mask is the most accurate device for delivering a
specific oxygen concentration (FiO2) to patients with COPD because it uses different sized
adaptors to mix a specific amount of room air with oxygen.
2. When assessing a patient with a chest tube, the nurse notes continuous bubbling in the
water-seal chamber. What does this finding suggest?
A. The lung has fully expanded.
B. There is an air leak in the system.
C. This is a normal finding during expiration.
,D. The suction pressure is set too high.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system. Intermittent bubbling is normal during coughing or exhalation, but
continuous bubbling requires immediate investigation.
3. A patient has just returned from a bronchoscopy. Which assessment is the priority before
allowing the patient to drink water?
A. Assessing for chest pain
B. Auscultating lung sounds
C. Monitoring heart rate
D. Checking the gag reflex
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A bronchoscopy involves local anesthesia to the throat, which
suppresses the gag reflex. The nurse must verify the return of the gag reflex to prevent
aspiration before oral intake.
4. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a
severe asthma attack?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 26
, C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 30
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In a severe asthma attack, air trapping leads to CO2 retention,
causing respiratory acidosis (low pH and high PaCO2).
5. The nurse is teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer. Which instruction is
correct?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device.
B. Use the device once every 4 hours.
C. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece.
D. Hold your breath for 30 seconds after inhalation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Incentive spirometry requires slow, deep inhalations to
maximize lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. Patients should typically use it 5-10
times per hour while awake.
6. A patient with Tuberculosis (TB) is placed on airborne precautions. Which personal
protective equipment (PPE) is required for the nurse?
A. Surgical mask
B. Gown and gloves only
