The Ultimate Comprehensive Kaplan Respiratory Nursing
Assessment Study Bank 200 Fully Graded A+ Questions with
Verified Correct Answers and Evidence-Based Rationales
Covering Anatomy Physiology COPD Asthma Pneumonia ARDS
Pharmacology Emergency Care and Updated 2025/2026
NCLEX-RN Exam Guidelines for Guaranteed Success
Section 1: Respiratory Anatomy, Physiology &
Basic Assessment (Questions 1–20)
1. Which structure prevents food and liquid
from entering the trachea during swallowing?
• A. Epiglottis
• B. Diaphragm
• C. Pleura
• D. Bronchiole
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A. Epiglottis
Rationale: The epiglottis closes over the
,laryngeal opening during swallowing, protecting
the airway.
2. What is the primary function of alveoli?
• A. Produce mucus
• B. Exchange gases
• C. Filter inhaled particles
• D. Warm inspired air
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Exchange
gases
Rationale: Alveoli are the main sites where
oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
3. A patient with dyspnea should first be
placed in which position?
• A. Prone
, • B. Supine
• C. High Fowler's
• D. Trendelenburg
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. High Fowler's
Rationale: High Fowler's promotes lung
expansion and eases breathing.
4. Which assessment finding is most consistent
with hypoxemia?
• A. Bradycardia
• B. Cyanosis
• C. Polyuria
• D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Cyanosis
Rationale: Cyanosis may indicate reduced
oxygen saturation in the blood.
, 5. The nurse is measuring oxygen saturation
with a pulse oximeter. What does this test
estimate?
• A. Lung compliance
• B. Hemoglobin concentration
• C. Percent of hemoglobin saturated with
oxygen
• D. Arterial carbon dioxide level
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Percent of
hemoglobin saturated with oxygen
Rationale: Pulse oximetry estimates oxygen
saturation of hemoglobin.
6. A patient suddenly develops unilateral
absent breath sounds after a central line
insertion. What is the priority concern?
Assessment Study Bank 200 Fully Graded A+ Questions with
Verified Correct Answers and Evidence-Based Rationales
Covering Anatomy Physiology COPD Asthma Pneumonia ARDS
Pharmacology Emergency Care and Updated 2025/2026
NCLEX-RN Exam Guidelines for Guaranteed Success
Section 1: Respiratory Anatomy, Physiology &
Basic Assessment (Questions 1–20)
1. Which structure prevents food and liquid
from entering the trachea during swallowing?
• A. Epiglottis
• B. Diaphragm
• C. Pleura
• D. Bronchiole
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A. Epiglottis
Rationale: The epiglottis closes over the
,laryngeal opening during swallowing, protecting
the airway.
2. What is the primary function of alveoli?
• A. Produce mucus
• B. Exchange gases
• C. Filter inhaled particles
• D. Warm inspired air
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Exchange
gases
Rationale: Alveoli are the main sites where
oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
3. A patient with dyspnea should first be
placed in which position?
• A. Prone
, • B. Supine
• C. High Fowler's
• D. Trendelenburg
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. High Fowler's
Rationale: High Fowler's promotes lung
expansion and eases breathing.
4. Which assessment finding is most consistent
with hypoxemia?
• A. Bradycardia
• B. Cyanosis
• C. Polyuria
• D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Cyanosis
Rationale: Cyanosis may indicate reduced
oxygen saturation in the blood.
, 5. The nurse is measuring oxygen saturation
with a pulse oximeter. What does this test
estimate?
• A. Lung compliance
• B. Hemoglobin concentration
• C. Percent of hemoglobin saturated with
oxygen
• D. Arterial carbon dioxide level
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Percent of
hemoglobin saturated with oxygen
Rationale: Pulse oximetry estimates oxygen
saturation of hemoglobin.
6. A patient suddenly develops unilateral
absent breath sounds after a central line
insertion. What is the priority concern?
