WPU NUR 3300 EXAM 3 – NURSING PRACTICE II (2026/2027)
COMPLETE PRACTICE QUESTION BANK –
200 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED
RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS
Key Content Areas:
• Respiratory Disorders & Management
• Cardiovascular Disorders & Management
• Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
• Acid-Base Balance
• Perioperative Nursing
• Pain Management
• End-of-Life Care
• Pharmacology related to above systems
• Clinical Judgment & Prioritization
• Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions
SECTION 1 – RESPIRATORY DISORDERS (Questions 1–40)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
who has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. The provider orders oxygen at
2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) Administer oxygen at 2 L/min as ordered
B) Administer oxygen at 4 L/min to increase saturation more quickly
C) Administer oxygen at 1 L/min and monitor respiratory rate
D) Contact the provider to clarify the order
Answer: A
Rationale: For patients with COPD, the goal is to maintain oxygen saturation
between 88% and 92% and avoid high‑flow oxygen that can suppress the hypoxic
drive. Administering 2 L/min as ordered is appropriate. Higher flow rates can
lead to carbon dioxide retention and respiratory depression. Oxygen should be
titrated to achieve target saturation while monitoring the patient's respiratory
status. COPD patients with chronic hypercapnia rely on hypoxic drive; high
oxygen delivery can depress respiratory drive and cause respiratory failure.
Question 2
A patient with asthma is experiencing an acute exacerbation. The nurse notes
1
,that the patient's peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is 50% of the personal best.
Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
A) Administration of a short‑acting beta‑2 agonist (SABA) such as albuterol
B) Administration of oral corticosteroids
C) Intubation and mechanical ventilation
D) Administration of long‑acting beta‑2 agonist (LABA)
Answer: A
Rationale: A PEFR of 50‑70% of personal best indicates a moderate exacerbation
requiring immediate bronchodilation with a SABA such as albuterol. Albuterol is
a bronchodilator that relaxes airway smooth muscle, improving airflow and
reducing respiratory rate. If PEFR is below 50%, the exacerbation is severe and
may require systemic corticosteroids and hospitalization. Intubation is reserved
for respiratory failure.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a patient who just underwent a bronchoscopy. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A) Sore throat
B) Hoarseness
C) Hemoptysis of 200 mL of bright red blood
D) Mild coughing
Answer: C
Rationale: Hemoptysis of 200 mL of bright red blood indicates significant
bleeding, which is a complication of bronchoscopy. This requires immediate
intervention including notification of the provider and preparation for possible
emergency measures. Sore throat, hoarseness, and mild coughing are expected
findings after bronchoscopy due to airway manipulation.
Question 4
A patient with pneumonia has a fever of 102.5°F, productive cough with green
sputum, and crackles in the right lower lobe. Which nursing intervention should
be prioritized?
A) Administer antipyretic as ordered
B) Encourage deep breathing and coughing
C) Administer prescribed antibiotics
D) Obtain sputum culture
Answer: C
Rationale: Pneumonia is a bacterial infection requiring prompt antibiotic
2
,therapy to prevent complications such as sepsis or respiratory failure. While
all options are appropriate, administering antibiotics is the priority
intervention to treat the underlying infection. Antipyretics manage fever,
deep breathing helps with airway clearance, and sputum culture guides
antibiotic selection, but antibiotics address the cause.
Question 5
A patient is receiving oxygen via a non‑rebreather mask at 15 L/min. The nurse
notices that the reservoir bag is deflating during inspiration. What is the most
appropriate action?
A) Increase the oxygen flow rate
B) Decrease the oxygen flow rate
C) Switch to a simple face mask
D) Remove the mask and apply nasal cannula
Answer: A
Rationale: The reservoir bag on a non‑rebreather mask must remain inflated
during both inspiration and expiration to deliver high concentrations of oxygen
(up to 90‑100%). If the bag deflates during inspiration, the flow rate is
insufficient and should be increased. A simple face mask delivers lower oxygen
concentrations and would not be appropriate if high FiO₂ is needed.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test (TST). Which site is
most appropriate for injection?
A) The volar surface of the forearm
B) The deltoid muscle
C) The dorsum of the hand
D) The anterior thigh
Answer: A
Rationale: The tuberculin skin test is administered intradermally on the volar
(inner) surface of the forearm, approximately 10 cm below the antecubital fossa.
This site allows for easy visualization of the injection site and measurement of
induration. Intradermal injection produces a small wheal (6‑10 mm) that should
be visible.
Question 7
A patient with COPD is prescribed home oxygen therapy. The nurse should
instruct
3
, the patient to:
A) Use oxygen only when short of breath
B) Keep oxygen tubing away from open flames
C) Adjust oxygen flow rate based on activity level
D) Use petroleum‑based products on the face
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is the priority when teaching about home oxygen therapy.
Oxygen supports combustion, so patients must be instructed to keep oxygen
away
from open flames, cigarettes, and heat sources. Patients should use oxygen as
prescribed, not just when short of breath. Flow rates should not be adjusted
without provider guidance, and water‑based lubricants should be used instead of
petroleum‑based products to prevent burns.
Question 8
A nurse is assessing a patient with a chest tube. Which finding indicates that
the chest tube drainage system is functioning properly?
A) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
B) Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water seal chamber with respiration
C) Absence of drainage in the collection chamber
D) Suction pressure set at ‑40 cm H₂O
Answer: B
Rationale: Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water seal chamber with inspiration and
expiration indicates that the chest tube is patent and functioning properly.
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber suggests an air leak. Absence of
drainage may be normal but does not confirm proper function. Suction pressure is
typically set at ‑20 cm H₂O, not ‑40 cm H₂O.
Question 9
A patient with tuberculosis (TB) is placed in airborne isolation. Which personal
protective equipment (PPE) is required for the nurse entering the room?
A) Surgical mask and gloves
B) N95 respirator and gloves
C) Gown, gloves, and surgical mask
D) N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection
Answer: B
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, which include the use of
an N95 respirator (or higher‑level respiratory protection) and gloves. A
4
COMPLETE PRACTICE QUESTION BANK –
200 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED
RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS
Key Content Areas:
• Respiratory Disorders & Management
• Cardiovascular Disorders & Management
• Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
• Acid-Base Balance
• Perioperative Nursing
• Pain Management
• End-of-Life Care
• Pharmacology related to above systems
• Clinical Judgment & Prioritization
• Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions
SECTION 1 – RESPIRATORY DISORDERS (Questions 1–40)
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
who has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. The provider orders oxygen at
2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) Administer oxygen at 2 L/min as ordered
B) Administer oxygen at 4 L/min to increase saturation more quickly
C) Administer oxygen at 1 L/min and monitor respiratory rate
D) Contact the provider to clarify the order
Answer: A
Rationale: For patients with COPD, the goal is to maintain oxygen saturation
between 88% and 92% and avoid high‑flow oxygen that can suppress the hypoxic
drive. Administering 2 L/min as ordered is appropriate. Higher flow rates can
lead to carbon dioxide retention and respiratory depression. Oxygen should be
titrated to achieve target saturation while monitoring the patient's respiratory
status. COPD patients with chronic hypercapnia rely on hypoxic drive; high
oxygen delivery can depress respiratory drive and cause respiratory failure.
Question 2
A patient with asthma is experiencing an acute exacerbation. The nurse notes
1
,that the patient's peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is 50% of the personal best.
Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
A) Administration of a short‑acting beta‑2 agonist (SABA) such as albuterol
B) Administration of oral corticosteroids
C) Intubation and mechanical ventilation
D) Administration of long‑acting beta‑2 agonist (LABA)
Answer: A
Rationale: A PEFR of 50‑70% of personal best indicates a moderate exacerbation
requiring immediate bronchodilation with a SABA such as albuterol. Albuterol is
a bronchodilator that relaxes airway smooth muscle, improving airflow and
reducing respiratory rate. If PEFR is below 50%, the exacerbation is severe and
may require systemic corticosteroids and hospitalization. Intubation is reserved
for respiratory failure.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a patient who just underwent a bronchoscopy. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A) Sore throat
B) Hoarseness
C) Hemoptysis of 200 mL of bright red blood
D) Mild coughing
Answer: C
Rationale: Hemoptysis of 200 mL of bright red blood indicates significant
bleeding, which is a complication of bronchoscopy. This requires immediate
intervention including notification of the provider and preparation for possible
emergency measures. Sore throat, hoarseness, and mild coughing are expected
findings after bronchoscopy due to airway manipulation.
Question 4
A patient with pneumonia has a fever of 102.5°F, productive cough with green
sputum, and crackles in the right lower lobe. Which nursing intervention should
be prioritized?
A) Administer antipyretic as ordered
B) Encourage deep breathing and coughing
C) Administer prescribed antibiotics
D) Obtain sputum culture
Answer: C
Rationale: Pneumonia is a bacterial infection requiring prompt antibiotic
2
,therapy to prevent complications such as sepsis or respiratory failure. While
all options are appropriate, administering antibiotics is the priority
intervention to treat the underlying infection. Antipyretics manage fever,
deep breathing helps with airway clearance, and sputum culture guides
antibiotic selection, but antibiotics address the cause.
Question 5
A patient is receiving oxygen via a non‑rebreather mask at 15 L/min. The nurse
notices that the reservoir bag is deflating during inspiration. What is the most
appropriate action?
A) Increase the oxygen flow rate
B) Decrease the oxygen flow rate
C) Switch to a simple face mask
D) Remove the mask and apply nasal cannula
Answer: A
Rationale: The reservoir bag on a non‑rebreather mask must remain inflated
during both inspiration and expiration to deliver high concentrations of oxygen
(up to 90‑100%). If the bag deflates during inspiration, the flow rate is
insufficient and should be increased. A simple face mask delivers lower oxygen
concentrations and would not be appropriate if high FiO₂ is needed.
Question 6
A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test (TST). Which site is
most appropriate for injection?
A) The volar surface of the forearm
B) The deltoid muscle
C) The dorsum of the hand
D) The anterior thigh
Answer: A
Rationale: The tuberculin skin test is administered intradermally on the volar
(inner) surface of the forearm, approximately 10 cm below the antecubital fossa.
This site allows for easy visualization of the injection site and measurement of
induration. Intradermal injection produces a small wheal (6‑10 mm) that should
be visible.
Question 7
A patient with COPD is prescribed home oxygen therapy. The nurse should
instruct
3
, the patient to:
A) Use oxygen only when short of breath
B) Keep oxygen tubing away from open flames
C) Adjust oxygen flow rate based on activity level
D) Use petroleum‑based products on the face
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is the priority when teaching about home oxygen therapy.
Oxygen supports combustion, so patients must be instructed to keep oxygen
away
from open flames, cigarettes, and heat sources. Patients should use oxygen as
prescribed, not just when short of breath. Flow rates should not be adjusted
without provider guidance, and water‑based lubricants should be used instead of
petroleum‑based products to prevent burns.
Question 8
A nurse is assessing a patient with a chest tube. Which finding indicates that
the chest tube drainage system is functioning properly?
A) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
B) Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water seal chamber with respiration
C) Absence of drainage in the collection chamber
D) Suction pressure set at ‑40 cm H₂O
Answer: B
Rationale: Tidaling (fluctuation) in the water seal chamber with inspiration and
expiration indicates that the chest tube is patent and functioning properly.
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber suggests an air leak. Absence of
drainage may be normal but does not confirm proper function. Suction pressure is
typically set at ‑20 cm H₂O, not ‑40 cm H₂O.
Question 9
A patient with tuberculosis (TB) is placed in airborne isolation. Which personal
protective equipment (PPE) is required for the nurse entering the room?
A) Surgical mask and gloves
B) N95 respirator and gloves
C) Gown, gloves, and surgical mask
D) N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection
Answer: B
Rationale: Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, which include the use of
an N95 respirator (or higher‑level respiratory protection) and gloves. A
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