ADN Exam Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A nurse is assessing a patient with a chest tube. Which finding should be reported to the
healthcare provider immediately?
A. Occasional bubbling in the water seal chamber
B. Fluctuation of the water level with respiration
C. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber
D. Drainage of 50 mL of serosanguinous fluid in 2 hours
Correct Answer: C. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber
Explanation: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which is a priority concern. Occasional bubbling during coughing or expiration and
fluctuations (tidaling) are normal.
Question 2.
When performing a thoracentesis, what is the primary purpose of the procedure for a
patient with a large pleural effusion?
A. To administer intrapleural antibiotics
B. To obtain a biopsy of the lung tissue
C. To measure the pressure within the bronchi
D. To remove fluid and relieve respiratory distress
Correct Answer: D. To remove fluid and relieve respiratory distress
Explanation: A thoracentesis is primarily performed to remove excess fluid from the
pleural space to improve breathing and can also be used for diagnostic sampling.
Question 3.
A patient is diagnosed with active Tuberculosis (TB). Which type of isolation precautions
must the nurse implement?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Contact precautions
D. Standard precautions
Correct Answer: A. Airborne precautions
Explanation: TB is transmitted via small particles that stay suspended in the air;
therefore, airborne precautions, including a private negative-pressure room and N95
respirators, are required.
, Question 4.
Which of the following is a classic clinical manifestation of late-stage Carbon Monoxide
poisoning?
A. Cherry-red skin color
B. Cyanosis of the lips
C. Pallor and diaphoresis
D. Jaundice of the sclera
Correct Answer: A. Cherry-red skin color
Explanation: Hemoglobin has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide than oxygen, forming
carboxyhemoglobin which can cause a characteristic cherry-red appearance in the skin
and mucous membranes.
Question 5.
A patient with COPD is instructed on pursed-lip breathing. What is the physiological goal of
this technique?
A. To increase the respiratory rate
B. To decrease oxygen saturation
C. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
D. To strengthen the intercostal muscles
Correct Answer: C. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways, which helps keep
the bronchioles open longer during exhalation, allowing for more CO2 to be expelled.
Question 6.
Which breath sound is commonly heard in patients with narrowed bronchi, such as during
an asthma attack?
A. Crackles
B. Stridor
C. Pleural friction rub
D. Wheezes
Correct Answer: D. Wheezes
Explanation: Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds caused by air flowing through
narrowed or obstructed airways, common in asthma.
Question 1.
A nurse is assessing a patient with a chest tube. Which finding should be reported to the
healthcare provider immediately?
A. Occasional bubbling in the water seal chamber
B. Fluctuation of the water level with respiration
C. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber
D. Drainage of 50 mL of serosanguinous fluid in 2 hours
Correct Answer: C. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber
Explanation: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which is a priority concern. Occasional bubbling during coughing or expiration and
fluctuations (tidaling) are normal.
Question 2.
When performing a thoracentesis, what is the primary purpose of the procedure for a
patient with a large pleural effusion?
A. To administer intrapleural antibiotics
B. To obtain a biopsy of the lung tissue
C. To measure the pressure within the bronchi
D. To remove fluid and relieve respiratory distress
Correct Answer: D. To remove fluid and relieve respiratory distress
Explanation: A thoracentesis is primarily performed to remove excess fluid from the
pleural space to improve breathing and can also be used for diagnostic sampling.
Question 3.
A patient is diagnosed with active Tuberculosis (TB). Which type of isolation precautions
must the nurse implement?
A. Airborne precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Contact precautions
D. Standard precautions
Correct Answer: A. Airborne precautions
Explanation: TB is transmitted via small particles that stay suspended in the air;
therefore, airborne precautions, including a private negative-pressure room and N95
respirators, are required.
, Question 4.
Which of the following is a classic clinical manifestation of late-stage Carbon Monoxide
poisoning?
A. Cherry-red skin color
B. Cyanosis of the lips
C. Pallor and diaphoresis
D. Jaundice of the sclera
Correct Answer: A. Cherry-red skin color
Explanation: Hemoglobin has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide than oxygen, forming
carboxyhemoglobin which can cause a characteristic cherry-red appearance in the skin
and mucous membranes.
Question 5.
A patient with COPD is instructed on pursed-lip breathing. What is the physiological goal of
this technique?
A. To increase the respiratory rate
B. To decrease oxygen saturation
C. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
D. To strengthen the intercostal muscles
Correct Answer: C. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways, which helps keep
the bronchioles open longer during exhalation, allowing for more CO2 to be expelled.
Question 6.
Which breath sound is commonly heard in patients with narrowed bronchi, such as during
an asthma attack?
A. Crackles
B. Stridor
C. Pleural friction rub
D. Wheezes
Correct Answer: D. Wheezes
Explanation: Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds caused by air flowing through
narrowed or obstructed airways, common in asthma.
