1
NSG
NSG 3800 / NSG3800 EXAM 2: (NEW 2025/ 2026
UPDATE) NURSING PRACTICE - ADULT HEALTH II
REVIEW| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS| GRADE A| 100%
CORRECT (VERIFIED SOLUTIONS)- GALEN
A patient asks the nurse why an infection in his upper respiratory system is affecting the
clarity of his speech. Which structure serves as the patients resonating chamber in speech?
A) Trachea
B) Pharynx
C) Paranasal sinuses
D) Larynx - ANS ✓C
Feedback: A prominent function of the sinuses is to serve as a resonating chamber in speech.
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, serves as the passage between the larynx and the
bronchi. The pharynx is a tubelike structure that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the
larynx. The pharynx also functions as a passage for the respiratory and digestive tracts. The
major function of the larynx is vocalization through the function of the vocal cords. The vocal
cords are ligaments controlled by muscular movements that produce sound.
10. A patient with a decreased level of consciousness is in a recumbent position. How should
the nurse best assess the lung fields for a patient in this position?
A) Inform that physician that the patient is in a recumbent position and anticipate an order for
a portable chest x-ray.
B) Turn the patient to enable assessment of all the patients lung fields.
C) Avoid turning the patient, and assess the accessible breath sounds from the anterior chest
wall.
D) Obtain a pulse oximetry reading, and, if the reading is low, reposition the patient and
auscultate breath sounds. - ANS ✓B
Feedback: Assessment of the anterior and posterior lung fields is part of the nurses routine
evaluation. If the patient is recumbent, it is essential to turn the patient to assess all lung
fields so that dependent areas can be assessed for breath sounds, including the presence of
normal breath sounds and adventitious sounds. Failure to examine the dependent areas of the
lungs can result in missing significant findings. This makes the other given options
unacceptable.
A patient is undergoing testing to see if he has a pleural effusion. Which of the nurses
respiratory assessment findings would be most consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Increased tactile fremitus, egophony, and a dull sound upon percussion of the chest wall
B) Decreased tactile fremitus, wheezing, and a hyperresonant sound upon percussion of the
chest wall
C) Lung fields dull to percussion, absent breath sounds, and a pleural friction rub
NSG 3800
, 2
NSG
D) Normal tactile fremitus, decreased breath sounds, and a resonant sound upon percussion
of the chest wall - ANS ✓C
Feedback: Assessment findings consistent with a pleural effusion include affected lung fields
being dull to percussion and absence of breath sounds. A pleural friction rub may also be
present. The other listed signs are not typically associated with a pleural effusion.
The nurse doing rounds at the beginning of a shift notices a sputum specimen in a container
sitting on the bedside table in a patients room. The nurse asks the patient when he produced
the sputum specimen and he states that the specimen is about 4 hours old. What action should
the nurse take?
A) Immediately take the sputum specimen to the laboratory.
B) Discard the specimen and assist the patient in obtaining another specimen.
C) Refrigerate the sputum specimen and submit it once it is chilled.
D) Add a small amount of normal saline to moisten the specimen. - ANS ✓B
feedback:Sputum samples should be submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Allowing the specimen to stand for several hours in a warm room results in the overgrowth of
contaminated organisms and may make it difficult to identify the pathogenic organisms.
Refrigeration of the sputum specimen and the addition of normal saline are not appropriate
actions.
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted medical patient and notes there is a depression in the
lower portion of the patients sternum. This patients health record should note the presence of
what chest deformity?
A) A barrel chest
B) A funnel chest
C) A pigeon chest
D) Kyphoscoliosis - ANS ✓B
Feedback: A funnel chest occurs when there is a depression in the lower portion of the
sternum, and this may lead to compression of the heart and great vessels, resulting in
murmurs. A barrel chest is characterized by an increase in the anteroposterior diameter of the
thorax and is a result of overinflation of the lungs. A pigeon chest occurs as a result of
displacement of the sternum and includes an increase in the anteroposterior diameter.
Kyphoscoliosis, which is characterized by elevation of the scapula and a corresponding S-
shaped spine, limits lung expANSion within the thorax.
The medical nurse who works on a pulmonology unit is aware that several respiratory
conditions can affect lung tissue compliance. The presence of what condition would lead to
an increase in lung compliance?
A) Emphysema
B) Pulmonary fibrosis
C) Pleural effusion
D) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - ANS ✓A
Feedback: High or increased compliance occurs if the lungs have lost their elasticity and the
thorax is overdistended, in conditions such as emphysema. Conditions associated with
decreased compliance include pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary
edema, atelectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and ARDS.
NSG 3800
, 3
NSG
A medical nurse has admitted a patient to the unit with a diagnosis of failure to thrive. The
patient has developed a fever and cough, so a sputum specimen has been obtained. The nurse
notes that the sputum is greenish and that there is a large quantity of it. The nurse notifies the
patients physician because these symptoms are suggestive of what?
A) Pneumothorax
B) Lung tumors
C) Infection
D) Pulmonary edema - ANS ✓C
Feedback: The nature of the sputum is often indicative of its cause. A profuse amount of
purulent sputum (thick and yellow, green, or rust-colored) or a change in color of the sputum
is a common sign of a bacterial infection. Pink-tinged mucoid sputum suggests a lung tumor.
Profuse, frothy, pink material, often welling up into the throat, may indicate pulmonary
edema. A pneumothorax does not result in copious, green sputum.
A patient has been diagnosed with heart failure that has not yet responded to treatment. What
breath sound should the nurse expect to assess on auscultation?
A) Expiratory wheezes
B) Inspiratory wheezes
C) Rhonchi
D) Crackles - ANS ✓D
Feedback: Crackles reflect underlying inflammation or congestion and are often present in
such conditions as pneumonia, bronchitis, and congestive heart failure. Rhonchi and wheezes
are associated with airway obstruction, which is not a part of the pathophysiology of heart
failure.
A patient has a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The nurse is aware that neuromuscular
disorders such as multiple sclerosis may lead to a decreased vital capacity. What does vital
capacity measure?
A) The volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath
B) The volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inspiration
C) The maximal volume of air inhaled after normal expiration
D) The maximal volume of air exhaled from the point of maximal inspiration - ANS ✓D
Feedback: Vital capacity is measured by having the patient take in a maximal breath and
exhale fully through a spirometer. Vital lung capacity is the maximal volume of air exhaled
from the point of maximal inspiration, and neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis
may lead to a decreased vital capacity. Tidal volume is defined as the volume of air inhaled
and exhaled with each breath. The volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inspiration is
the total lung capacity. Inspiratory capacity is the maximal volume of air inhaled after normal
expiration.
While assessing an acutely ill patients respiratory rate, the nurse assesses four normal breaths
followed by an episode of apnea lasting 20 seconds. How should the nurse document this
finding?
A) Eupnea
B) Apnea
NSG 3800
, 4
NSG
C) Biors respiration
D) Cheyne-Stokes - ANS ✓C
Feedback: The nurse will document that the patient is demonstrating a Biots respiration
pattern. Biots respiration is characterized by periods of normal breathing (three to four
breaths) followed by varying periods of apnea (usually 10 seconds to 1 minute). Cheyne-
Stokes is a similar respiratory pattern, but it involves a regular cycle where the rate and depth
of breathing increase and then decrease until apnea occurs. Biots respiration is not
characterized by the increase and decrease in the rate and depth, as characterized by Cheyne-
Stokes. Eupnea is a normal breathing pattern of 12 to 18 breaths per minute. Bradypnea is a
slower-than-normal rate (<10 breaths per minute), with normal depth and regular rhythm, and
no apnea.
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient in the PACU. The patient has had a bronchoscopy,
and the nurse is monitoring for complications related to the administration of lidocaine. For
what complication related to the administration of large doses of lidocaine in the elderly
should the nurse assess?
A) Decreased urine output and hypertension
B) Headache and vision changes
C) Confusion and lethargy
D) Jaundice and elevated liver enzymes - ANS ✓C
Feedback: ApneaBiots respiration Cheyne-Stokes C
Feedback:
The nurse will document that the patient is demonstrating a Biots respiration pattern. Biots
respiration is characterized by periods of normal breathing (three to four breaths) followed by
varying periods of apnea (usually 10 seconds to 1 minute). Cheyne-Stokes is a similar
respiratory pattern, but it involves a regular cycle where the rate and depth of breathing
increase and then decrease until apnea occurs. Biots respiration is not characterized by the
increase and decrease in the rate and depth, as characterized by Cheyne-Stokes. Eupnea is a
normal breathing pattern of 12 to 18 breaths per minute. Bradypnea is a slower-than-normal
rate (<10 breaths per minute), with normal depth and regular rhythm, and no apnea.
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient in the PACU. The patient has had a bronchoscopy,
and the nurse is monitoring for complications related to the administration of lidocaine. For
what complication related to the administration of large doses of lidocaine in the elderly
should the nurse assess?
Decreased urine output and hypertension Headache and vision changesConfusion and
lethargyJaundice and elevated liver enzymes
C
Feedback:
Lidocaine may be sprayed on the pharynx or dropped on the epiglottis and vocal cords and
into the trachea to suppress the cough reflex and minimize discomfort during a bronchoscopy.
After the procedure, the nurse will assess for confusion and lethargy in the elderly, which
may be due to the large doses of lidocaine administered during the procedure. The other listed
signs and symptoms are not specific to this problem.
NSG 3800
NSG
NSG 3800 / NSG3800 EXAM 2: (NEW 2025/ 2026
UPDATE) NURSING PRACTICE - ADULT HEALTH II
REVIEW| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS| GRADE A| 100%
CORRECT (VERIFIED SOLUTIONS)- GALEN
A patient asks the nurse why an infection in his upper respiratory system is affecting the
clarity of his speech. Which structure serves as the patients resonating chamber in speech?
A) Trachea
B) Pharynx
C) Paranasal sinuses
D) Larynx - ANS ✓C
Feedback: A prominent function of the sinuses is to serve as a resonating chamber in speech.
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, serves as the passage between the larynx and the
bronchi. The pharynx is a tubelike structure that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the
larynx. The pharynx also functions as a passage for the respiratory and digestive tracts. The
major function of the larynx is vocalization through the function of the vocal cords. The vocal
cords are ligaments controlled by muscular movements that produce sound.
10. A patient with a decreased level of consciousness is in a recumbent position. How should
the nurse best assess the lung fields for a patient in this position?
A) Inform that physician that the patient is in a recumbent position and anticipate an order for
a portable chest x-ray.
B) Turn the patient to enable assessment of all the patients lung fields.
C) Avoid turning the patient, and assess the accessible breath sounds from the anterior chest
wall.
D) Obtain a pulse oximetry reading, and, if the reading is low, reposition the patient and
auscultate breath sounds. - ANS ✓B
Feedback: Assessment of the anterior and posterior lung fields is part of the nurses routine
evaluation. If the patient is recumbent, it is essential to turn the patient to assess all lung
fields so that dependent areas can be assessed for breath sounds, including the presence of
normal breath sounds and adventitious sounds. Failure to examine the dependent areas of the
lungs can result in missing significant findings. This makes the other given options
unacceptable.
A patient is undergoing testing to see if he has a pleural effusion. Which of the nurses
respiratory assessment findings would be most consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Increased tactile fremitus, egophony, and a dull sound upon percussion of the chest wall
B) Decreased tactile fremitus, wheezing, and a hyperresonant sound upon percussion of the
chest wall
C) Lung fields dull to percussion, absent breath sounds, and a pleural friction rub
NSG 3800
, 2
NSG
D) Normal tactile fremitus, decreased breath sounds, and a resonant sound upon percussion
of the chest wall - ANS ✓C
Feedback: Assessment findings consistent with a pleural effusion include affected lung fields
being dull to percussion and absence of breath sounds. A pleural friction rub may also be
present. The other listed signs are not typically associated with a pleural effusion.
The nurse doing rounds at the beginning of a shift notices a sputum specimen in a container
sitting on the bedside table in a patients room. The nurse asks the patient when he produced
the sputum specimen and he states that the specimen is about 4 hours old. What action should
the nurse take?
A) Immediately take the sputum specimen to the laboratory.
B) Discard the specimen and assist the patient in obtaining another specimen.
C) Refrigerate the sputum specimen and submit it once it is chilled.
D) Add a small amount of normal saline to moisten the specimen. - ANS ✓B
feedback:Sputum samples should be submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Allowing the specimen to stand for several hours in a warm room results in the overgrowth of
contaminated organisms and may make it difficult to identify the pathogenic organisms.
Refrigeration of the sputum specimen and the addition of normal saline are not appropriate
actions.
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted medical patient and notes there is a depression in the
lower portion of the patients sternum. This patients health record should note the presence of
what chest deformity?
A) A barrel chest
B) A funnel chest
C) A pigeon chest
D) Kyphoscoliosis - ANS ✓B
Feedback: A funnel chest occurs when there is a depression in the lower portion of the
sternum, and this may lead to compression of the heart and great vessels, resulting in
murmurs. A barrel chest is characterized by an increase in the anteroposterior diameter of the
thorax and is a result of overinflation of the lungs. A pigeon chest occurs as a result of
displacement of the sternum and includes an increase in the anteroposterior diameter.
Kyphoscoliosis, which is characterized by elevation of the scapula and a corresponding S-
shaped spine, limits lung expANSion within the thorax.
The medical nurse who works on a pulmonology unit is aware that several respiratory
conditions can affect lung tissue compliance. The presence of what condition would lead to
an increase in lung compliance?
A) Emphysema
B) Pulmonary fibrosis
C) Pleural effusion
D) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - ANS ✓A
Feedback: High or increased compliance occurs if the lungs have lost their elasticity and the
thorax is overdistended, in conditions such as emphysema. Conditions associated with
decreased compliance include pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary
edema, atelectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and ARDS.
NSG 3800
, 3
NSG
A medical nurse has admitted a patient to the unit with a diagnosis of failure to thrive. The
patient has developed a fever and cough, so a sputum specimen has been obtained. The nurse
notes that the sputum is greenish and that there is a large quantity of it. The nurse notifies the
patients physician because these symptoms are suggestive of what?
A) Pneumothorax
B) Lung tumors
C) Infection
D) Pulmonary edema - ANS ✓C
Feedback: The nature of the sputum is often indicative of its cause. A profuse amount of
purulent sputum (thick and yellow, green, or rust-colored) or a change in color of the sputum
is a common sign of a bacterial infection. Pink-tinged mucoid sputum suggests a lung tumor.
Profuse, frothy, pink material, often welling up into the throat, may indicate pulmonary
edema. A pneumothorax does not result in copious, green sputum.
A patient has been diagnosed with heart failure that has not yet responded to treatment. What
breath sound should the nurse expect to assess on auscultation?
A) Expiratory wheezes
B) Inspiratory wheezes
C) Rhonchi
D) Crackles - ANS ✓D
Feedback: Crackles reflect underlying inflammation or congestion and are often present in
such conditions as pneumonia, bronchitis, and congestive heart failure. Rhonchi and wheezes
are associated with airway obstruction, which is not a part of the pathophysiology of heart
failure.
A patient has a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The nurse is aware that neuromuscular
disorders such as multiple sclerosis may lead to a decreased vital capacity. What does vital
capacity measure?
A) The volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath
B) The volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inspiration
C) The maximal volume of air inhaled after normal expiration
D) The maximal volume of air exhaled from the point of maximal inspiration - ANS ✓D
Feedback: Vital capacity is measured by having the patient take in a maximal breath and
exhale fully through a spirometer. Vital lung capacity is the maximal volume of air exhaled
from the point of maximal inspiration, and neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis
may lead to a decreased vital capacity. Tidal volume is defined as the volume of air inhaled
and exhaled with each breath. The volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inspiration is
the total lung capacity. Inspiratory capacity is the maximal volume of air inhaled after normal
expiration.
While assessing an acutely ill patients respiratory rate, the nurse assesses four normal breaths
followed by an episode of apnea lasting 20 seconds. How should the nurse document this
finding?
A) Eupnea
B) Apnea
NSG 3800
, 4
NSG
C) Biors respiration
D) Cheyne-Stokes - ANS ✓C
Feedback: The nurse will document that the patient is demonstrating a Biots respiration
pattern. Biots respiration is characterized by periods of normal breathing (three to four
breaths) followed by varying periods of apnea (usually 10 seconds to 1 minute). Cheyne-
Stokes is a similar respiratory pattern, but it involves a regular cycle where the rate and depth
of breathing increase and then decrease until apnea occurs. Biots respiration is not
characterized by the increase and decrease in the rate and depth, as characterized by Cheyne-
Stokes. Eupnea is a normal breathing pattern of 12 to 18 breaths per minute. Bradypnea is a
slower-than-normal rate (<10 breaths per minute), with normal depth and regular rhythm, and
no apnea.
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient in the PACU. The patient has had a bronchoscopy,
and the nurse is monitoring for complications related to the administration of lidocaine. For
what complication related to the administration of large doses of lidocaine in the elderly
should the nurse assess?
A) Decreased urine output and hypertension
B) Headache and vision changes
C) Confusion and lethargy
D) Jaundice and elevated liver enzymes - ANS ✓C
Feedback: ApneaBiots respiration Cheyne-Stokes C
Feedback:
The nurse will document that the patient is demonstrating a Biots respiration pattern. Biots
respiration is characterized by periods of normal breathing (three to four breaths) followed by
varying periods of apnea (usually 10 seconds to 1 minute). Cheyne-Stokes is a similar
respiratory pattern, but it involves a regular cycle where the rate and depth of breathing
increase and then decrease until apnea occurs. Biots respiration is not characterized by the
increase and decrease in the rate and depth, as characterized by Cheyne-Stokes. Eupnea is a
normal breathing pattern of 12 to 18 breaths per minute. Bradypnea is a slower-than-normal
rate (<10 breaths per minute), with normal depth and regular rhythm, and no apnea.
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient in the PACU. The patient has had a bronchoscopy,
and the nurse is monitoring for complications related to the administration of lidocaine. For
what complication related to the administration of large doses of lidocaine in the elderly
should the nurse assess?
Decreased urine output and hypertension Headache and vision changesConfusion and
lethargyJaundice and elevated liver enzymes
C
Feedback:
Lidocaine may be sprayed on the pharynx or dropped on the epiglottis and vocal cords and
into the trachea to suppress the cough reflex and minimize discomfort during a bronchoscopy.
After the procedure, the nurse will assess for confusion and lethargy in the elderly, which
may be due to the large doses of lidocaine administered during the procedure. The other listed
signs and symptoms are not specific to this problem.
NSG 3800
