1
HESI Exit Exam Question Bank:
Respiratory Disorders & Oxygenation
Strategies
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Respiratory Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology (20
Questions)........................................................................................................2
Subtopic 2: Respiratory Assessment and Diagnostics (20 Questions).............9
Subtopic 3: Oxygen Therapy and Delivery Systems (20 Questions)..............17
Subtopic 4: Acute Respiratory Conditions (Pneumonia, ARDS, Pulmonary
Embolism, etc.)..............................................................................................25
Subtopic 5: Chronic Respiratory Diseases (COPD, Asthma, Bronchiectasis,
etc.)...............................................................................................................32
Subtopic 6: Mechanical Ventilation and Respiratory Support Devices...........40
Subtopic 7: Airway Management (Intubation, Suctioning, Tracheostomy Care,
etc.) — 20 Questions......................................................................................47
Subtopic 8: Pediatric and Geriatric Considerations in Respiratory Care — 20
Questions.......................................................................................................55
Subtopic 9: Diagnostic Procedures and Laboratory Interpretation in
Respiratory Disorders.....................................................................................63
Subtopic 10: Emergency Management and Critical Care in Respiratory
Disorders........................................................................................................70
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Subtopic 1: Respiratory Anatomy, Physiology,
and Pathophysiology (20 Questions)
1. Which part of the respiratory system is primarily responsible for gas
exchange?
A. Trachea
B. Alveoli
C. Bronchi
D. Pleura
Correct Answer: B. Alveoli
Rationale: The alveoli are microscopic air sacs in the lungs where the actual
gas exchange occurs between oxygen and carbon dioxide. Their thin walls
and large surface area are ideal for diffusion.
2. What role does surfactant play in respiratory function?
A. Prevents infection in alveoli
B. Reduces surface tension in alveoli
C. Increases mucus production
D. Stimulates cough reflex
Correct Answer: B. Reduces surface tension in alveoli
Rationale: Surfactant is secreted by alveolar cells and reduces surface
tension, preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation and improving lung
compliance.
3. In chronic bronchitis, what pathological change is most characteristic?
A. Destruction of alveolar walls
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B. Hypersecretion of mucus
C. Bronchospasm only during exercise
D. Collapse of the trachea
Correct Answer: B. Hypersecretion of mucus
Rationale: Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchi and
excessive mucus production, leading to airway obstruction and chronic
cough.
4. Which acid-base imbalance is most commonly associated with
hypoventilation?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: Hypoventilation leads to carbon dioxide retention, increasing
blood acidity and resulting in respiratory acidosis.
5. Which respiratory disease is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls
and decreased elastic recoil?
A. Asthma
B. Emphysema
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Bronchitis
Correct Answer: B. Emphysema
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Rationale: Emphysema involves alveolar wall destruction and loss of
elasticity, leading to air trapping and difficulty exhaling.
6. What is the function of the diaphragm during inspiration?
A. Contracts and moves upward
B. Contracts and moves downward
C. Relaxes and expands the lungs
D. Relaxes and increases chest pressure
Correct Answer: B. Contracts and moves downward
Rationale: During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, creating
negative pressure that draws air into the lungs.
7. Which condition leads to a shift of the trachea away from the affected
side?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Atelectasis
D. Bronchitis
Correct Answer: B. Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: A tension pneumothorax increases pressure in the pleural cavity,
pushing the mediastinum and trachea away from the affected side.
8. Which type of hypoxia results from decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of
the blood?
A. Histotoxic hypoxia
B. Stagnant hypoxia
HESI Exit Exam Question Bank:
Respiratory Disorders & Oxygenation
Strategies
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Respiratory Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology (20
Questions)........................................................................................................2
Subtopic 2: Respiratory Assessment and Diagnostics (20 Questions).............9
Subtopic 3: Oxygen Therapy and Delivery Systems (20 Questions)..............17
Subtopic 4: Acute Respiratory Conditions (Pneumonia, ARDS, Pulmonary
Embolism, etc.)..............................................................................................25
Subtopic 5: Chronic Respiratory Diseases (COPD, Asthma, Bronchiectasis,
etc.)...............................................................................................................32
Subtopic 6: Mechanical Ventilation and Respiratory Support Devices...........40
Subtopic 7: Airway Management (Intubation, Suctioning, Tracheostomy Care,
etc.) — 20 Questions......................................................................................47
Subtopic 8: Pediatric and Geriatric Considerations in Respiratory Care — 20
Questions.......................................................................................................55
Subtopic 9: Diagnostic Procedures and Laboratory Interpretation in
Respiratory Disorders.....................................................................................63
Subtopic 10: Emergency Management and Critical Care in Respiratory
Disorders........................................................................................................70
, 2
Subtopic 1: Respiratory Anatomy, Physiology,
and Pathophysiology (20 Questions)
1. Which part of the respiratory system is primarily responsible for gas
exchange?
A. Trachea
B. Alveoli
C. Bronchi
D. Pleura
Correct Answer: B. Alveoli
Rationale: The alveoli are microscopic air sacs in the lungs where the actual
gas exchange occurs between oxygen and carbon dioxide. Their thin walls
and large surface area are ideal for diffusion.
2. What role does surfactant play in respiratory function?
A. Prevents infection in alveoli
B. Reduces surface tension in alveoli
C. Increases mucus production
D. Stimulates cough reflex
Correct Answer: B. Reduces surface tension in alveoli
Rationale: Surfactant is secreted by alveolar cells and reduces surface
tension, preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation and improving lung
compliance.
3. In chronic bronchitis, what pathological change is most characteristic?
A. Destruction of alveolar walls
, 3
B. Hypersecretion of mucus
C. Bronchospasm only during exercise
D. Collapse of the trachea
Correct Answer: B. Hypersecretion of mucus
Rationale: Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchi and
excessive mucus production, leading to airway obstruction and chronic
cough.
4. Which acid-base imbalance is most commonly associated with
hypoventilation?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: Hypoventilation leads to carbon dioxide retention, increasing
blood acidity and resulting in respiratory acidosis.
5. Which respiratory disease is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls
and decreased elastic recoil?
A. Asthma
B. Emphysema
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Bronchitis
Correct Answer: B. Emphysema
, 4
Rationale: Emphysema involves alveolar wall destruction and loss of
elasticity, leading to air trapping and difficulty exhaling.
6. What is the function of the diaphragm during inspiration?
A. Contracts and moves upward
B. Contracts and moves downward
C. Relaxes and expands the lungs
D. Relaxes and increases chest pressure
Correct Answer: B. Contracts and moves downward
Rationale: During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, creating
negative pressure that draws air into the lungs.
7. Which condition leads to a shift of the trachea away from the affected
side?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Atelectasis
D. Bronchitis
Correct Answer: B. Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: A tension pneumothorax increases pressure in the pleural cavity,
pushing the mediastinum and trachea away from the affected side.
8. Which type of hypoxia results from decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of
the blood?
A. Histotoxic hypoxia
B. Stagnant hypoxia
