LSU NURS 402 Exam 3 Practice Test
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy.
Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Apply the highest oxygen flow rate available
B. Titrate oxygen according to the prescribed target and monitor respiratory status
C. Discontinue oxygen whenever the client becomes dyspneic
D. Encourage the client to breathe rapidly
Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen should be administered as prescribed and titrated to the patient's clinical
needs while respiratory status is monitored.
2. A client with pneumonia has an oxygen saturation of 84% and increasing respiratory
distress. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess and support oxygenation
B. Offer oral fluids
C. Obtain a dietary history
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: A
Rationale: Severe hypoxemia and respiratory distress require immediate attention.
3. Which assessment finding is most consistent with a pneumothorax?
A. Bilateral crackles
B. Abdominal distention
C. Unilateral diminished or absent breath sounds
D. Increased bowel sounds
Answer: C
Rationale: Air in the pleural space can cause diminished or absent breath sounds on the
affected side.
4. A client with a chest tube has continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What should
the nurse suspect?
A. Normal lung expansion
B. Adequate drainage
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy.
Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Apply the highest oxygen flow rate available
B. Titrate oxygen according to the prescribed target and monitor respiratory status
C. Discontinue oxygen whenever the client becomes dyspneic
D. Encourage the client to breathe rapidly
Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen should be administered as prescribed and titrated to the patient's clinical
needs while respiratory status is monitored.
2. A client with pneumonia has an oxygen saturation of 84% and increasing respiratory
distress. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess and support oxygenation
B. Offer oral fluids
C. Obtain a dietary history
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: A
Rationale: Severe hypoxemia and respiratory distress require immediate attention.
3. Which assessment finding is most consistent with a pneumothorax?
A. Bilateral crackles
B. Abdominal distention
C. Unilateral diminished or absent breath sounds
D. Increased bowel sounds
Answer: C
Rationale: Air in the pleural space can cause diminished or absent breath sounds on the
affected side.
4. A client with a chest tube has continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What should
the nurse suspect?
A. Normal lung expansion
B. Adequate drainage
