NUR 185 Exam 1 2026/2027 | Hondros College | 300+ Practice
Questions, Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales
Gas Exchange, Oxygenation & Respiratory Assessment
1.
A nurse assesses a client with impaired gas exchange. Which finding
requires the most immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 20/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 86%
C. Mild productive cough
D. Temperature of 99.1°F
Answer: B
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia
and requires prompt assessment and intervention.
2.
Which assessment finding is most consistent with hypoxemia?
A. Restlessness and confusion
B. Increased appetite
C. Warm, flushed skin only
D. Increased urinary output
Answer: A
Rationale: Early hypoxemia can cause restlessness, anxiety, confusion,
and changes in mental status.
,3.
Which blood gas value primarily reflects oxygenation?
A. PaCO₂
B. HCO₃⁻
C. PaO₂
D. pH
Answer: C
Rationale: PaO₂ measures the partial pressure of oxygen dissolved in
arterial blood and reflects oxygenation.
4.
Which arterial blood gas value primarily reflects ventilation?
A. PaCO₂
B. PaO₂
C. HCO₃⁻
D. Base excess
Answer: A
Rationale: PaCO₂ reflects the effectiveness of alveolar ventilation and
carbon dioxide elimination.
5.
A client has a PaCO₂ of 52 mm Hg. How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
A. Hypocapnia
B. Hypercapnia
,C. Normal ventilation
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: An elevated PaCO₂ indicates carbon dioxide retention, or
hypercapnia.
6.
Which finding is most suggestive of respiratory distress?
A. Bradypnea with relaxed muscles
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Normal speech pattern
D. Warm hands
Answer: B
Rationale: Accessory-muscle use indicates increased work of breathing
and possible respiratory distress.
7.
A client with respiratory disease suddenly becomes confused. What
should the nurse assess first?
A. Oxygenation
B. Bowel sounds
C. Skin turgor
D. Appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: Acute confusion may indicate inadequate oxygenation or
worsening respiratory failure.
, 8.
Which position generally promotes maximum lung expansion?
A. Supine
B. High-Fowler's
C. Trendelenburg
D. Flat prone
Answer: B
Rationale: High-Fowler's positioning facilitates diaphragmatic
movement and lung expansion.
9.
A nurse is assessing a client for cyanosis. Which area is most useful for
evaluating central cyanosis?
A. Fingernails only
B. Oral mucosa
C. Knees
D. Abdomen
Answer: B
Rationale: Cyanosis of the lips and oral mucosa can indicate reduced
arterial oxygenation.
10.
Which respiratory rate should concern the nurse most?
A. 16/min
B. 18/min
Questions, Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales
Gas Exchange, Oxygenation & Respiratory Assessment
1.
A nurse assesses a client with impaired gas exchange. Which finding
requires the most immediate attention?
A. Respiratory rate of 20/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 86%
C. Mild productive cough
D. Temperature of 99.1°F
Answer: B
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia
and requires prompt assessment and intervention.
2.
Which assessment finding is most consistent with hypoxemia?
A. Restlessness and confusion
B. Increased appetite
C. Warm, flushed skin only
D. Increased urinary output
Answer: A
Rationale: Early hypoxemia can cause restlessness, anxiety, confusion,
and changes in mental status.
,3.
Which blood gas value primarily reflects oxygenation?
A. PaCO₂
B. HCO₃⁻
C. PaO₂
D. pH
Answer: C
Rationale: PaO₂ measures the partial pressure of oxygen dissolved in
arterial blood and reflects oxygenation.
4.
Which arterial blood gas value primarily reflects ventilation?
A. PaCO₂
B. PaO₂
C. HCO₃⁻
D. Base excess
Answer: A
Rationale: PaCO₂ reflects the effectiveness of alveolar ventilation and
carbon dioxide elimination.
5.
A client has a PaCO₂ of 52 mm Hg. How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
A. Hypocapnia
B. Hypercapnia
,C. Normal ventilation
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: An elevated PaCO₂ indicates carbon dioxide retention, or
hypercapnia.
6.
Which finding is most suggestive of respiratory distress?
A. Bradypnea with relaxed muscles
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Normal speech pattern
D. Warm hands
Answer: B
Rationale: Accessory-muscle use indicates increased work of breathing
and possible respiratory distress.
7.
A client with respiratory disease suddenly becomes confused. What
should the nurse assess first?
A. Oxygenation
B. Bowel sounds
C. Skin turgor
D. Appetite
Answer: A
Rationale: Acute confusion may indicate inadequate oxygenation or
worsening respiratory failure.
, 8.
Which position generally promotes maximum lung expansion?
A. Supine
B. High-Fowler's
C. Trendelenburg
D. Flat prone
Answer: B
Rationale: High-Fowler's positioning facilitates diaphragmatic
movement and lung expansion.
9.
A nurse is assessing a client for cyanosis. Which area is most useful for
evaluating central cyanosis?
A. Fingernails only
B. Oral mucosa
C. Knees
D. Abdomen
Answer: B
Rationale: Cyanosis of the lips and oral mucosa can indicate reduced
arterial oxygenation.
10.
Which respiratory rate should concern the nurse most?
A. 16/min
B. 18/min
