1
Proctored ATI Med-Surg Respiratory Exam Test Bank 200
Verified Questions with Detailed Answers Comprehensive
Review for 2026–2027 Nursing Exams
Assessment & Diagnostic Tests
1. Preparing for a Bronchoscopy
A nurse is preparing a client for a bronchoscopy. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
• A. Administer atropine to dry secretions.
• B. Ensure the client has been NPO for 12 hours.
• C. Remove the client’s dentures before the procedure.
• D. Place the client in a prone position post-procedure.
☑CORRECT ANSWER: C. Remove the client’s dentures before the
procedure.
Rationale: Dentures, partials, or loose teeth pose an aspiration risk and can
,2
obstruct the bronchoscope. NPO is typically 4–8 hours, not 12. Atropine is
rarely used pre-procedurally for bronchoscopy anymore; moderate sedation
is standard. Post-procedure, the client is placed in semi-Fowler’s to facilitate
breathing and prevent aspiration.
2. Post-Thoracentesis Complication
A nurse is caring for a client following a thoracentesis. Which of the following
findings requires immediate intervention?
• A. Serous drainage on the dressing.
• B. Client reports a dry, hacking cough.
• C. Pulse oximetry of 91% on room air.
• D. Respiratory rate of 24/min.
☑CORRECT ANSWER: C. Pulse oximetry of 91% on room air.
Rationale: A post-thoracentesis O2 sat of 91% is below the expected
reference range (>95%) and could indicate a complication such as
,3
pneumothorax (re-expansion pulmonary edema or air entry into pleural
space). A dry cough is common post-procedure. Serous drainage is
expected. A respiratory rate of 24 is elevated but expected with underlying
lung disease.
3. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation
A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) results. pH: 7.30, PaCO2: 60 mm Hg,
HCO3: 24 mEq/L. Which condition do these values indicate?
• A. Metabolic acidosis.
• B. Metabolic alkalosis.
• C. Respiratory acidosis.
• D. Respiratory alkalosis.
☑CORRECT ANSWER: C. Respiratory acidosis.
Rationale: The pH is acidic (<7.35). PaCO2 is elevated (>45), indicating a
respiratory cause. HCO3 is normal (22–26), showing no renal compensation
, 4
yet. This is acute respiratory acidosis, typical in COPD exacerbation, opioid
overdose, or pneumonia.
Upper Respiratory Disorders
4. Laryngectomy Discharge Teaching
A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new
laryngectomy. The nurse should tell the client to be careful while bathing to
prevent which of the following complications?
• A. Aspiration of water
• B. Infection of the stoma
• C. Bleeding around the stoma
• D. Skin breakdown around the stoma
☑CORRECT ANSWER: A. Aspiration of water
Rationale: The client should be careful during bathing and showering and
should avoid swimming due to the risk of aspirating water. A shower shield
Proctored ATI Med-Surg Respiratory Exam Test Bank 200
Verified Questions with Detailed Answers Comprehensive
Review for 2026–2027 Nursing Exams
Assessment & Diagnostic Tests
1. Preparing for a Bronchoscopy
A nurse is preparing a client for a bronchoscopy. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
• A. Administer atropine to dry secretions.
• B. Ensure the client has been NPO for 12 hours.
• C. Remove the client’s dentures before the procedure.
• D. Place the client in a prone position post-procedure.
☑CORRECT ANSWER: C. Remove the client’s dentures before the
procedure.
Rationale: Dentures, partials, or loose teeth pose an aspiration risk and can
,2
obstruct the bronchoscope. NPO is typically 4–8 hours, not 12. Atropine is
rarely used pre-procedurally for bronchoscopy anymore; moderate sedation
is standard. Post-procedure, the client is placed in semi-Fowler’s to facilitate
breathing and prevent aspiration.
2. Post-Thoracentesis Complication
A nurse is caring for a client following a thoracentesis. Which of the following
findings requires immediate intervention?
• A. Serous drainage on the dressing.
• B. Client reports a dry, hacking cough.
• C. Pulse oximetry of 91% on room air.
• D. Respiratory rate of 24/min.
☑CORRECT ANSWER: C. Pulse oximetry of 91% on room air.
Rationale: A post-thoracentesis O2 sat of 91% is below the expected
reference range (>95%) and could indicate a complication such as
,3
pneumothorax (re-expansion pulmonary edema or air entry into pleural
space). A dry cough is common post-procedure. Serous drainage is
expected. A respiratory rate of 24 is elevated but expected with underlying
lung disease.
3. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation
A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) results. pH: 7.30, PaCO2: 60 mm Hg,
HCO3: 24 mEq/L. Which condition do these values indicate?
• A. Metabolic acidosis.
• B. Metabolic alkalosis.
• C. Respiratory acidosis.
• D. Respiratory alkalosis.
☑CORRECT ANSWER: C. Respiratory acidosis.
Rationale: The pH is acidic (<7.35). PaCO2 is elevated (>45), indicating a
respiratory cause. HCO3 is normal (22–26), showing no renal compensation
, 4
yet. This is acute respiratory acidosis, typical in COPD exacerbation, opioid
overdose, or pneumonia.
Upper Respiratory Disorders
4. Laryngectomy Discharge Teaching
A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new
laryngectomy. The nurse should tell the client to be careful while bathing to
prevent which of the following complications?
• A. Aspiration of water
• B. Infection of the stoma
• C. Bleeding around the stoma
• D. Skin breakdown around the stoma
☑CORRECT ANSWER: A. Aspiration of water
Rationale: The client should be careful during bathing and showering and
should avoid swimming due to the risk of aspirating water. A shower shield
