and correct answers 2026
Contents
1. Head & Neck Cancer / Laryngectomy
2. Oral Cancer & Oropharyngeal Disorders
3. Lung Cancer
4. COPD — Chronic Bronchitis
5. COPD — Emphysema
6. Asthma
7. Cystic Fibrosis
8. Pneumonia
9. Tuberculosis
10. Pleural Effusion & Empyema
11. Pulmonary Function Tests & Diagnostics
12. Oxygen Therapy & Delivery Devices
13. Chest Tubes & Thoracic Surgery
14. ABG Interpretation in Respiratory Disease
15. Upper Respiratory Infections, Sinusitis & Epistaxis
16. Restrictive Lung Disease & Pulmonary Fibrosis
17. Pulmonary Embolism & DVT (Respiratory Focus)
18. Tracheostomy Care
19. Smoking Cessation & Respiratory Health Promotion
20. Respiratory Nursing Priorities & Emergency Interventions
,1. Head & Neck Cancer / Laryngectomy
Q1. What are early warning signs of head and neck cancer?
A: Hoarseness, a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a lump/mass in the neck that doesn't
resolve.
Q2. What is a major risk factor for head and neck cancer?
A: Tobacco and alcohol use, especially in combination.
Q3. What is the priority nursing assessment immediately after a total laryngectomy?
A: Airway patency through the new stoma, since the patient breathes through a permanent tracheal stoma,
not the nose/mouth.
Q4. What is a key difference in emergency airway management for a laryngectomy patient?
A: Rescue breathing and oxygen must be given through the stoma, not the mouth/nose.
Q5. What is a key nursing teaching point after total laryngectomy regarding communication?
A: The patient will need an alternative communication method (e.g., electrolarynx, esophageal speech, or
tracheoesophageal puncture) since the vocal cords are removed.
Q6. What is a key nursing teaching point for stoma care after laryngectomy?
A: Keep the stoma clean, humidify inspired air, and protect the stoma from water (e.g., during showering).
Q7. What sign indicates a possible complication (fistula or bleeding) after laryngectomy surgery?
A: Increased swelling, redness, drainage, or bleeding at the surgical site.
Q8. What is a key nursing consideration for nutrition after laryngectomy?
A: The patient may need a temporary feeding tube until swallowing is safely re-established.
Q9. What psychosocial nursing consideration is important after laryngectomy?
A: Address body image changes, loss of voice, and provide emotional support/referrals (e.g., support
groups).
Q10. What is a key safety teaching point for a laryngectomy patient regarding showering or swimming?
A: Use a stoma guard/cover and never submerge the stoma in water, since water can enter the airway
directly.
, 2. Oral Cancer & Oropharyngeal Disorders
Q11. What are classic signs of oral cancer?
A: White patchy lesions (leukoplakia), red velvety lesions (erythroplakia), and non-healing sores or lumps in
the mouth.
Q12. What are major risk factors for oral cancer?
A: Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), heavy alcohol use, and HPV infection.
Q13. What are common symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer?
A: Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, oral sores, anorexia, and unintentional weight loss.
Q14. What is leukoplakia and its significance?
A: White patches on the oral mucosa that can be precancerous and should be evaluated/biopsied.
Q15. What is the priority nursing assessment for a patient with oral cancer regarding nutrition?
A: Assess ability to chew/swallow and monitor weight, as dysphagia commonly leads to malnutrition.
Q16. What is a key patient teaching point for oral cancer prevention?
A: Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and get regular dental/oral screenings.
Q17. What is a priority postoperative nursing concern after oral cancer surgery (e.g., glossectomy)?
A: Airway management, since swelling or tissue removal can compromise the airway.
Q18. What nursing intervention supports oral hygiene in a patient undergoing head/neck radiation?
A: Frequent gentle oral care and use of prescribed rinses to manage mucositis and prevent infection.
Q19. What complication of radiation therapy to the head/neck region affects saliva production?
A: Xerostomia (dry mouth) due to salivary gland damage.
Q20. What is a key nursing consideration for speech and swallowing after extensive oral/oropharyngeal
surgery?
A: Referral to speech-language pathology for swallowing evaluation and rehabilitation.