NUR 231 Exam 2 – Adult Nursing II
(2026) Actual Questions & Verified
Answers Illinois State University
Guarantee Pass
1.
A client with COPD has increasing dyspnea and an oxygen
saturation of 84%. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Apply oxygen as prescribed and assess respiratory status
C. Offer oral fluids
D. Place the client flat
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxemia is an immediate priority. Oxygen and
rapid respiratory assessment are appropriate.
2.
Which assessment finding is most characteristic of
emphysema?
,A. Productive cough with large amounts of sputum
B. Hyperinflation and prolonged expiration
C. Sudden pulmonary edema
D. Severe peripheral edema
Answer: B
Rationale: Emphysema involves destruction of alveolar walls
and air trapping, producing hyperinflation and prolonged
expiration.
3.
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen. Which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Oxygen saturation improves
B. Increasing drowsiness and respiratory depression
C. Reduced anxiety
D. Respiratory rate of 18/min
Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing somnolence can indicate worsening
hypercapnia and respiratory failure.
4.
Which breathing technique can help a client with COPD reduce
air trapping?
,A. Pursed-lip breathing
B. Breath holding
C. Rapid shallow breathing
D. Hyperventilation
Answer: A
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing slows exhalation and can help
maintain airway pressure during expiration.
5.
A client with asthma suddenly develops severe wheezing and
difficulty speaking. Which medication would the nurse
anticipate administering first?
A. Long-acting corticosteroid only
B. Rapid-acting bronchodilator
C. Antibiotic
D. Diuretic
Answer: B
Rationale: A rapid-acting bronchodilator such as albuterol is
commonly used for acute bronchospasm.
6.
Which finding indicates severe respiratory distress?
, A. Respiratory rate 18/min
B. Ability to speak in full sentences
C. Cyanosis and altered mental status
D. Oxygen saturation of 98%
Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis and altered consciousness suggest
significant oxygenation impairment.
7.
A client with pneumonia has crackles, fever, and productive
cough. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage appropriate hydration if not contraindicated
B. Restrict all fluids
C. Keep the client completely immobile
D. Suppress every cough
Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate hydration can help thin respiratory
secretions when fluid restriction is not indicated.
8.
Which finding is most concerning in a client with pneumonia?
A. Temperature of 37.2°C
B. Oxygen saturation of 82%
(2026) Actual Questions & Verified
Answers Illinois State University
Guarantee Pass
1.
A client with COPD has increasing dyspnea and an oxygen
saturation of 84%. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Apply oxygen as prescribed and assess respiratory status
C. Offer oral fluids
D. Place the client flat
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxemia is an immediate priority. Oxygen and
rapid respiratory assessment are appropriate.
2.
Which assessment finding is most characteristic of
emphysema?
,A. Productive cough with large amounts of sputum
B. Hyperinflation and prolonged expiration
C. Sudden pulmonary edema
D. Severe peripheral edema
Answer: B
Rationale: Emphysema involves destruction of alveolar walls
and air trapping, producing hyperinflation and prolonged
expiration.
3.
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen. Which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Oxygen saturation improves
B. Increasing drowsiness and respiratory depression
C. Reduced anxiety
D. Respiratory rate of 18/min
Answer: B
Rationale: Increasing somnolence can indicate worsening
hypercapnia and respiratory failure.
4.
Which breathing technique can help a client with COPD reduce
air trapping?
,A. Pursed-lip breathing
B. Breath holding
C. Rapid shallow breathing
D. Hyperventilation
Answer: A
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing slows exhalation and can help
maintain airway pressure during expiration.
5.
A client with asthma suddenly develops severe wheezing and
difficulty speaking. Which medication would the nurse
anticipate administering first?
A. Long-acting corticosteroid only
B. Rapid-acting bronchodilator
C. Antibiotic
D. Diuretic
Answer: B
Rationale: A rapid-acting bronchodilator such as albuterol is
commonly used for acute bronchospasm.
6.
Which finding indicates severe respiratory distress?
, A. Respiratory rate 18/min
B. Ability to speak in full sentences
C. Cyanosis and altered mental status
D. Oxygen saturation of 98%
Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis and altered consciousness suggest
significant oxygenation impairment.
7.
A client with pneumonia has crackles, fever, and productive
cough. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage appropriate hydration if not contraindicated
B. Restrict all fluids
C. Keep the client completely immobile
D. Suppress every cough
Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate hydration can help thin respiratory
secretions when fluid restriction is not indicated.
8.
Which finding is most concerning in a client with pneumonia?
A. Temperature of 37.2°C
B. Oxygen saturation of 82%
