GNRS 554: Respiratory Exam Practice Questions
and Answers| Latest Update
The nurse provides care for a client immediately after a laryngoscopy. It is most important for
the nurse to intervene if which observation is made?
a. the client quietly whiskers, answering questions appropriately.
b. the client says there is a humidifier at home
c. the client is talking loudly and demanding to get out of bed and walk
d. the client is repositioning himself in bed c. the client is talking loudly and demanding to
get out of bed and walk
Explanation: It is common for the client to be on voice rest for 2-4 days post procedure, and bed
rest for the first 4-6 hours. The client would need to be reminded to whisper and be provided a
bed pan.
The nurse knows it is essential to have which piece of equipment at the bedside of the client
receiving mechanical ventilation?
a. resuscitation bag
b. incentive spirometer
c. particulate respirator
d. patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine a. resuscitation bag
,Explanation: a manual resuscitation bag must be readily available and visible at the bedside of
any client receiving mechanical ventilation so that ventilations can be maintained if machine
failure occurs or the client has another emergency. Manual resuscitation bags should not be
centralized or shared between clients due to cross contamination.
The nurse provides care for clients on the medical/surgical unit. The nurse expects postural
drainage to be prescribed for which client?
a. client with cystic fibrosis
b. client diagnosed with ascites due to liver cirrhosis
c. client diagnosed with lymphedema
d. client diagnosed with pulmonary HTN a. client with cystic fibrosis
Explanation: postural drainage is a treatment of choice for CF because of serious respiratory
dysfunction. Postural drainage involves using gravity, along with percussion and vibration, to
facilitate drainage of secretions from bronchi and lungs into the trachea where coughing and
suctioning can expel them. The process involves client assuming a range of positions, most of
them with the head down.
Immediately following a thoracentesis, the nurse notices a progressive swelling on the right side
of the client's chest and neck. The nurse knows which condition is the most likely cause of the
swelling?
a. pneumothorax post-thoracentesis
b. subcutaneous emphysema
, c. lipoma
d. hematoma formation b. subcutaneous emphysema
Explanation: a subcutaneous emphysema is a complication of a thoracentesis in which air leaks
into subcutaneous tissue and causes swelling. As more air enters the tissue the swelling
progresses.
A client is admitted to the hospital after sustaining severe electrical burns. A tracheostomy is
performed, and the client is unable to use either hand. It is most important for the nurse to take
which action?
a. obtain a closed-circuit video monitor
b. pad the side rails of the bed
c. obtain a blow-touch call bell
d. transfer the client with a Hoyer lift c. obtain a blow-touch call bell
Explanation: call systems can keep clients safe since they will be able to call for assistance when
required. The client is unable to use either hand, so the most appropriate way for the client to call
the nurse or a nursing assistant is with a blow-touch call bell.
A client requires emergency tracheostomy. When caring for the tracheostomy, the nurse takes
which action?
a. suctions the tracheostomy every hour
and Answers| Latest Update
The nurse provides care for a client immediately after a laryngoscopy. It is most important for
the nurse to intervene if which observation is made?
a. the client quietly whiskers, answering questions appropriately.
b. the client says there is a humidifier at home
c. the client is talking loudly and demanding to get out of bed and walk
d. the client is repositioning himself in bed c. the client is talking loudly and demanding to
get out of bed and walk
Explanation: It is common for the client to be on voice rest for 2-4 days post procedure, and bed
rest for the first 4-6 hours. The client would need to be reminded to whisper and be provided a
bed pan.
The nurse knows it is essential to have which piece of equipment at the bedside of the client
receiving mechanical ventilation?
a. resuscitation bag
b. incentive spirometer
c. particulate respirator
d. patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine a. resuscitation bag
,Explanation: a manual resuscitation bag must be readily available and visible at the bedside of
any client receiving mechanical ventilation so that ventilations can be maintained if machine
failure occurs or the client has another emergency. Manual resuscitation bags should not be
centralized or shared between clients due to cross contamination.
The nurse provides care for clients on the medical/surgical unit. The nurse expects postural
drainage to be prescribed for which client?
a. client with cystic fibrosis
b. client diagnosed with ascites due to liver cirrhosis
c. client diagnosed with lymphedema
d. client diagnosed with pulmonary HTN a. client with cystic fibrosis
Explanation: postural drainage is a treatment of choice for CF because of serious respiratory
dysfunction. Postural drainage involves using gravity, along with percussion and vibration, to
facilitate drainage of secretions from bronchi and lungs into the trachea where coughing and
suctioning can expel them. The process involves client assuming a range of positions, most of
them with the head down.
Immediately following a thoracentesis, the nurse notices a progressive swelling on the right side
of the client's chest and neck. The nurse knows which condition is the most likely cause of the
swelling?
a. pneumothorax post-thoracentesis
b. subcutaneous emphysema
, c. lipoma
d. hematoma formation b. subcutaneous emphysema
Explanation: a subcutaneous emphysema is a complication of a thoracentesis in which air leaks
into subcutaneous tissue and causes swelling. As more air enters the tissue the swelling
progresses.
A client is admitted to the hospital after sustaining severe electrical burns. A tracheostomy is
performed, and the client is unable to use either hand. It is most important for the nurse to take
which action?
a. obtain a closed-circuit video monitor
b. pad the side rails of the bed
c. obtain a blow-touch call bell
d. transfer the client with a Hoyer lift c. obtain a blow-touch call bell
Explanation: call systems can keep clients safe since they will be able to call for assistance when
required. The client is unable to use either hand, so the most appropriate way for the client to call
the nurse or a nursing assistant is with a blow-touch call bell.
A client requires emergency tracheostomy. When caring for the tracheostomy, the nurse takes
which action?
a. suctions the tracheostomy every hour
