NURS 121L-B Oxygen Therapy and Airway Management Skills 2026
|WCU
1. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen via a Venturi mask at 28%. What is
the primary benefit of using this specific device for this patient?
A. It provides the highest possible FiO2 available for non-invasive therapy.
B. It allows the patient to eat and speak without interrupting oxygen therapy.
C. It delivers a precise and consistent concentration of oxygen regardless of the patient’s breathing pattern.
D. It humidifies the air automatically without the need for a sterile water source.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Venturi mask is preferred for COPD patients because it delivers a precise,
fixed FiO2, which is critical for patients who may have a diminished drive to breathe if too
much oxygen is administered.
2. During nasopharyngeal suctioning, a nurse notes a sudden drop in the
patient’s heart rate and a decrease in SpO2. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Complete the suctioning pass as quickly as possible.
B. Apply higher suction pressure to clear the airway faster.
C. Notify the healthcare provider of a possible vagal response.
D. Immediately withdraw the catheter and administer supplemental oxygen.
Answer: D
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypoxia during suctioning suggest a vagal response or severe
respiratory distress. The nurse must stop the procedure and re-oxygenate the patient
immediately.
,3. Which of the following is considered an early clinical manifestation of
hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis of the mucous membranes
B. Restlessness and apprehension
C. Bradycardia and bradypnea
D. Clubbing of the fingers
Answer: B
Rationale: Restlessness, anxiety, and tachycardia are early signs of hypoxia. Cyanosis and
bradycardia are typically late signs.
4. When performing tracheostomy care, which action by the student nurse
requires immediate intervention by the clinical instructor?
A. Hyper-oxygenating the patient prior to suctioning.
B. Using a sterile cotton-tipped applicator to clean the stoma.
C. Removing the old tracheostomy ties before securing the new ones.
D. Cleaning the inner cannula with sterile normal saline.
Answer: C
Rationale: The old ties should never be removed until the new ties are securely in place to
prevent accidental decannulation if the patient coughs.
5. A nurse is preparing to suction a patient with a tracheostomy. What is the
maximum recommended time for applying suction during a single pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. Until the airway is clear of all secretions
C. 20 to 30 seconds
D. 10 to 15 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale: Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds per pass to prevent hypoxia and
mucosal damage.
, 6. A patient requires an oxygen concentration of 90% to 100%. Which delivery
device should the nurse select?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Nasal cannula
C. Simple face mask
D. Partial rebreather mask
Answer: A
Rationale: A non-rebreather mask with a properly functioning reservoir bag and valves
can deliver 60% to 90% or higher FiO2, making it the best choice for high-concentration
needs.
7. When setting the suction pressure for an adult patient with a tracheostomy,
what is the standard safe range?
A. 100-150 mmHg
B. 80-100 mmHg
C. 60-80 mmHg
D. 150-200 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: For adults, the safe suction pressure range is typically 100-150 mmHg.
Pressures exceeding this can cause mucosal trauma.
8. What is the primary purpose of humidification in oxygen therapy for a patient
receiving 5 L/min via nasal cannula?
A. To prevent drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa.
B. To reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity.
C. To prevent the oxygen from catching fire.
D. To ensure the patient receives the full dose of oxygen.
Answer: A
|WCU
1. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen via a Venturi mask at 28%. What is
the primary benefit of using this specific device for this patient?
A. It provides the highest possible FiO2 available for non-invasive therapy.
B. It allows the patient to eat and speak without interrupting oxygen therapy.
C. It delivers a precise and consistent concentration of oxygen regardless of the patient’s breathing pattern.
D. It humidifies the air automatically without the need for a sterile water source.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Venturi mask is preferred for COPD patients because it delivers a precise,
fixed FiO2, which is critical for patients who may have a diminished drive to breathe if too
much oxygen is administered.
2. During nasopharyngeal suctioning, a nurse notes a sudden drop in the
patient’s heart rate and a decrease in SpO2. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A. Complete the suctioning pass as quickly as possible.
B. Apply higher suction pressure to clear the airway faster.
C. Notify the healthcare provider of a possible vagal response.
D. Immediately withdraw the catheter and administer supplemental oxygen.
Answer: D
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypoxia during suctioning suggest a vagal response or severe
respiratory distress. The nurse must stop the procedure and re-oxygenate the patient
immediately.
,3. Which of the following is considered an early clinical manifestation of
hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis of the mucous membranes
B. Restlessness and apprehension
C. Bradycardia and bradypnea
D. Clubbing of the fingers
Answer: B
Rationale: Restlessness, anxiety, and tachycardia are early signs of hypoxia. Cyanosis and
bradycardia are typically late signs.
4. When performing tracheostomy care, which action by the student nurse
requires immediate intervention by the clinical instructor?
A. Hyper-oxygenating the patient prior to suctioning.
B. Using a sterile cotton-tipped applicator to clean the stoma.
C. Removing the old tracheostomy ties before securing the new ones.
D. Cleaning the inner cannula with sterile normal saline.
Answer: C
Rationale: The old ties should never be removed until the new ties are securely in place to
prevent accidental decannulation if the patient coughs.
5. A nurse is preparing to suction a patient with a tracheostomy. What is the
maximum recommended time for applying suction during a single pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. Until the airway is clear of all secretions
C. 20 to 30 seconds
D. 10 to 15 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale: Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds per pass to prevent hypoxia and
mucosal damage.
, 6. A patient requires an oxygen concentration of 90% to 100%. Which delivery
device should the nurse select?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Nasal cannula
C. Simple face mask
D. Partial rebreather mask
Answer: A
Rationale: A non-rebreather mask with a properly functioning reservoir bag and valves
can deliver 60% to 90% or higher FiO2, making it the best choice for high-concentration
needs.
7. When setting the suction pressure for an adult patient with a tracheostomy,
what is the standard safe range?
A. 100-150 mmHg
B. 80-100 mmHg
C. 60-80 mmHg
D. 150-200 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: For adults, the safe suction pressure range is typically 100-150 mmHg.
Pressures exceeding this can cause mucosal trauma.
8. What is the primary purpose of humidification in oxygen therapy for a patient
receiving 5 L/min via nasal cannula?
A. To prevent drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa.
B. To reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity.
C. To prevent the oxygen from catching fire.
D. To ensure the patient receives the full dose of oxygen.
Answer: A
