RESPIRATORY PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are the responsibilities of the respiratory system? Select all that apply.
Ventilation
Transporting of oxygenated blood
Acid-base balance
Speech
Sense of smell - Answer-Ventilation
Acid-base balance
Speech
Sense of smell
Test taking tips: consider more than just the act of breathing.
The nurse is admitting a patient who presents with hemoptysis, low-grade fever, weight
loss, and night sweats. What action should the nurse take first?
Obtain a chest x-ray.
Place the patient in respiratory isolation.
Obtain a weight.
Auscultate the lungs. - Answer-Place the patient in respiratory isolation.
Test taking tips: safety first.
The nurse is performing a health history on a patient. Which statements require
additional questioning to determine their risk for respiratory disorders. Select all that
apply.
"I grew up helping my dad in his woodworking shop."
"Yes, I've used tobacco before."
"I used to experiment with drugs."
"My stepfather has COPD."
" My wife and I recently volunteered in a developing country." - Answer-"I grew up
helping my dad in his woodworking shop."
"Yes, I've used tobacco before."
"I used to experiment with drugs."
" My wife and I recently volunteered in a developing country."
Test taking tips: consider pulmonary risks.
The nurse is performing a physical assessment on a patient admitted with a respiratory
condition. Which finding is most concerning?
Dry, cracked mucous membranes
1:1 anteroposterior (AP) diameter
Crepitus
, Retractions - Answer-Retractions
Rationale: Retractions occur when muscles pull inward during inspiration, sometimes
causing the skin to pull in and around ribs. This signifies increased work of breathing
and respiratory distress.
Test taking tips: Respiratory distress is the highest priority.
A patient with asthma is reporting shortness of breath. On assessment, the nurse finds
a pulse rate of 110 beats/min, a blood pressure of 130/90 mm Hg, and a temperature of
101°F (37.8°C). Which diagnostic test is most beneficial in determining the treatment
plan?
Spirometry
Pulse oximetry
Forced expiratory volume
Peak expiratory flow readings - Answer-Peak expiratory flow readings
Test taking tips: Look at the item for patient history to see if that could be contributing to
the problem.
A patient reporting chest tightness arrives at the hospital. On assessment, the nurse
notes wheezing, cough, elevated blood pressure, and pulse rate. The primary
healthcare provider prescribes corticosteroids. Which is the most likely outcome of the
prescribed therapy?
Increases the hydration of airway
Decreases the inflammation of the airway
Aids in bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
Aids in muscle relaxation around the alveoli - Answer-Decreases the inflammation of the
airway
Rationale: Inhalation of corticosteroids decrease the inflammation and swelling of the
airway.
Test taking tips: understand the function of the medications.
The nurse is caring for a patient with asthma. Which assessment finding noted by the
nurse indicates poor oxygenation?
Temperature of 101°F
Pulse rate of 110 beats/min
Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
Respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min - Answer-Pulse rate of 110 beats/min
Rationale: Increase in pulse rate is a sign of poor oxygenation and anxiety.
Test taking tips: patients with asthma are likely to show signs of elevation in all the vital
signs.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are the responsibilities of the respiratory system? Select all that apply.
Ventilation
Transporting of oxygenated blood
Acid-base balance
Speech
Sense of smell - Answer-Ventilation
Acid-base balance
Speech
Sense of smell
Test taking tips: consider more than just the act of breathing.
The nurse is admitting a patient who presents with hemoptysis, low-grade fever, weight
loss, and night sweats. What action should the nurse take first?
Obtain a chest x-ray.
Place the patient in respiratory isolation.
Obtain a weight.
Auscultate the lungs. - Answer-Place the patient in respiratory isolation.
Test taking tips: safety first.
The nurse is performing a health history on a patient. Which statements require
additional questioning to determine their risk for respiratory disorders. Select all that
apply.
"I grew up helping my dad in his woodworking shop."
"Yes, I've used tobacco before."
"I used to experiment with drugs."
"My stepfather has COPD."
" My wife and I recently volunteered in a developing country." - Answer-"I grew up
helping my dad in his woodworking shop."
"Yes, I've used tobacco before."
"I used to experiment with drugs."
" My wife and I recently volunteered in a developing country."
Test taking tips: consider pulmonary risks.
The nurse is performing a physical assessment on a patient admitted with a respiratory
condition. Which finding is most concerning?
Dry, cracked mucous membranes
1:1 anteroposterior (AP) diameter
Crepitus
, Retractions - Answer-Retractions
Rationale: Retractions occur when muscles pull inward during inspiration, sometimes
causing the skin to pull in and around ribs. This signifies increased work of breathing
and respiratory distress.
Test taking tips: Respiratory distress is the highest priority.
A patient with asthma is reporting shortness of breath. On assessment, the nurse finds
a pulse rate of 110 beats/min, a blood pressure of 130/90 mm Hg, and a temperature of
101°F (37.8°C). Which diagnostic test is most beneficial in determining the treatment
plan?
Spirometry
Pulse oximetry
Forced expiratory volume
Peak expiratory flow readings - Answer-Peak expiratory flow readings
Test taking tips: Look at the item for patient history to see if that could be contributing to
the problem.
A patient reporting chest tightness arrives at the hospital. On assessment, the nurse
notes wheezing, cough, elevated blood pressure, and pulse rate. The primary
healthcare provider prescribes corticosteroids. Which is the most likely outcome of the
prescribed therapy?
Increases the hydration of airway
Decreases the inflammation of the airway
Aids in bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
Aids in muscle relaxation around the alveoli - Answer-Decreases the inflammation of the
airway
Rationale: Inhalation of corticosteroids decrease the inflammation and swelling of the
airway.
Test taking tips: understand the function of the medications.
The nurse is caring for a patient with asthma. Which assessment finding noted by the
nurse indicates poor oxygenation?
Temperature of 101°F
Pulse rate of 110 beats/min
Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
Respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min - Answer-Pulse rate of 110 beats/min
Rationale: Increase in pulse rate is a sign of poor oxygenation and anxiety.
Test taking tips: patients with asthma are likely to show signs of elevation in all the vital
signs.
