PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR RESPIRATORY with Answers
1. A patient is getting discharged from a Skilled Nursing facility. The patient has a history of severe COPD and PVD. The
patient is primarily concerned about their ability to breathe easily. Which of the following would be the best instruction
for this patient?
A: Pursed lip breathing techniques to decrease CO2 levels
B: Cough regularly and deeply to clear airway passages
C: Follow recommended schedule for bronchodilators
D: Utilize oxygen as needed during meals
2. A client arrives to the Emergency Department and is noted to be cyanotic. The first nursing action should be to:
A. Obtain blood for lab work
B. Call the physician for orders
C. Administer O2 at 2L/NC
D. Check the client’s oxygen saturation
3. A client with tuberculosis is given pyrizinamide. Which of the following diagnostic test results would the nurse relate
to this drug?
A. elevated liver enzymes
B. decreased thyroid
C. elevated blood glucose
D. decreased red blood cell count
4. A nurse in the emergency department assesses a patient who has been taking long-term corticosteroids to treat
pulmonary disease. Which of the following is a typical side effect of corticosteroid treatment? Select all that apply.
A. hypertension
B. weight gain
C. hyponatremia
D. low serum albumin
E. mood changes
5. A patient has been hospitalized with pneumonia and is about to be discharged. Which misunderstanding by the family
indicates the need for more detailed information?
A. The patient may resume normal home activities as tolerated but should avoid physical exertion and get adequate
rest.
B. The patient should resume a normal diet with emphasis on nutritious, healthy foods.
C. The patient may discontinue the prescribed course of oral antibiotics once the symptoms have completely resolved.
D. The patient should continue use of the incentive spirometer to keep airways open and free of secretions.
6. Which complication is likely to occur following unresolved atelectasis?
A. Hemorrhage
B. Infection
C. Pneumonia
D. Pulmonary embolism
7. A male client who weighs 79.4 kg is receiving theophylline (400 mg in 500 ml) at 50 ml/hour. The theophylline level is
reported as 6 mcg/ml. The nurse calls the physician who instructs the nurse to change the dosage to 0.45 mg/kg/hour.
How should the nurse respond?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Question the order because it’s too low.
Question the order because it’s too high.
Set the pump at 45 ml/hour.
Stop the infusion and have the laboratory repeat the theophylline measurement.
8. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching a male client with chronic bronchitis?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Make inhalation longer than exhalation.
Exhale through an open mouth.
Use diaphragmatic breathing.
Use chest breathing.
9. Which observation indicates that the client is experiencing difficulty breathing?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Diaphragmatic breathing
Use of accessory muscles
Pursed-lip breathing
Controlled breathing
10. A client is admitted at 2300 to the emergency department with a respiratory rate of 44 breaths/minute. He’s
anxious, and wheezes are audible. The client is immediately given oxygen by face mask and methylprednisolone IV. At
2330, the client’s arterial blood oxygen saturation is 86% and he’s still wheezing. What should the nurse should plan to
administer?
A. epinephrine
B. propranolol
C. alprazolam
D. albuterol
11. What information should the nurse teach a client regard tetracycline? Select all that apply.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Contraindicated in children under 8 years of age
Can cause discoloration of permanent teeth
Should be taken with antacid to reduce stomach upset
May cause photosensitivity
Is safe for use during pregnancy
Can potentiate the effects of oral anticoagulants
12. A patient is seen in the clinic after completing a course of antibiotic therapy. He states he is still feeling sick and
complains of fever, fatigue, severe diarrhea, and mouth sores. What does the nurse recognize as the cause of these
symptoms?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Superinfection due to destruction of normal flora
Secondary bacterial infection after a viral illness
Hypersensitivity reaction to the class of antibiotics
Non-compliance with dosage or schedule of the medication
13. What are appropriate nursing interventions for the client receiving intravenous Vancomycin? Select all that apply.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Assess the client for any changes in hearing
Infuse the medication rapidly to raise serum level
Monitor for therapeutic serum drug levels
Note changes in the patient’s skin color
Observe for dark red-brown urine during therapy
Discontinue contact isolation precautions after third dose
14. Before administering a first dose of gentamicin, which of the following lab results should the nurse check?
a.
b.
c.
d.
hematocrit
creatinine
sedimentation rate
liver enzymes
15. Which of the following clinical manifestations of a patient suggests Type IV hypersensitivity reaction?
a. dermatitis from a latex allergy
b. sudden shortness of breath
c. the appearance of hives
d. swelling of the lips
16. A 28-year-old woman has noted respiratory difficulties for the past 13 months. She has also noted a non-productive
cough and mild fever. Her symptoms improve when she is on vacation. A chest radiograph reveals nodular infiltrates. A
transbronchial lung biopsy reveals microscopic findings consistent with an extrinsic allergic alveolitis with interstitial
infiltrates composed of lymphocytes along with a few neutrophils and eosinophils. Which of the following histories is
most likely to explain these findings?
A She raises parrots in the basement of her house.
B She is a heavy cigarette smoker.
C Her house is downwind from a lead smelter.
D She abuses crack cocaine.
E She has systemic lupus erythematosus.
17. A client stung by a bee now exhibits redness and edema in the hand and forearm. The nurse’s teaching plan would
be based on which scientific rationale?
A. The client may need to purchase an epi pen as hypersensitivity is possible
B. The client should not worry about developing an allergy to bee stings
C. The client may need injections to promote desensitization
D. The client is at high risk for allergic reactions to other exposures
18. Which instructions would be appropriate for a client being discharged after a severe allergic reaction?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It would be unusual to have another severe reaction
It is not necessary to call 911 if symptoms improve with epinephrine
Carry an albuterol inhaler in case of wheezing
Wear a device stating what substance causes anaphylactic reaction
19. While treating a client suffering an anaphylactic reaction, what is the nurse’s greatest concern?
A.
B.
C.
D.
neurological status
worsening hypotension
airway compromise due to swelling
dangerous cardiac arrhythmias
20. A client is having difficulty breathing, and a rapid, weak pulse after eating sesame seeds. The nurse observes swelling
in the face, watery eyes, and hives. What is the priority treatment for this client?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Monitoring cardiac rhythm
Establishing IV access
Administering SC epinephrine
Giving an IV antihistamine