Medical-Surgical Nursing: Respiratory System Disorders -
330 NCLEX Questions with Rationales
Course: Nursing Fundamentals | Medical-Surgical | NCLEX-RN Prep
Total Questions: 330 with Answers & Rationales
Edition: 2026 High-Yield | Seller: Original Author
INSTRUCTIONS: Each question includes 4 options, correct answer, and detailed
rationale for learning. Suitable for NCLEX-RN, ATI, HESI.
1. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
2. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
3. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
4. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
5. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
6. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
7. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
8. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
9. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
, D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
10. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
11. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
12. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
13. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
14. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
, C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
15. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
16. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
17. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
18. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
19. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
330 NCLEX Questions with Rationales
Course: Nursing Fundamentals | Medical-Surgical | NCLEX-RN Prep
Total Questions: 330 with Answers & Rationales
Edition: 2026 High-Yield | Seller: Original Author
INSTRUCTIONS: Each question includes 4 options, correct answer, and detailed
rationale for learning. Suitable for NCLEX-RN, ATI, HESI.
1. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
2. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
3. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
4. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
5. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
6. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
7. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
8. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
9. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
, D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
10. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
11. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
12. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
13. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
14. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
, C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
15. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
16. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
17. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
B. Nasal cannula 2L
C. Venturi 60%
D. Bag-valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO2; low-flow 1-2L prevents suppressing hypoxic drive. Titrate to 88-92% per
guidelines.
18. Which finding indicates pneumothorax after chest trauma?
A. Bradycardia
B. Absent breath sounds on affected side
C. Increased tactile fremitus
D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pneumothorax: air in pleural space collapses lung -> absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, tracheal
deviation late.
19. Client with COPD has SpO2 88% on room air. Which O2 delivery is most appropriate?
A. Non-rebreather 15L
