NU235 Midterm — 150 Memory Keys
Friday Lecture • Hard NCLEX/HESI Review • Respiratory • Pediatrics • Blood/Transfusion • ABGs
Use this as a last-minute review: read the key, then explain the “why” without looking.
Abbreviation Key
Abbreviation
ABG
ADH
ARDS
BiPAP
CF
COPD
CPAP
FEV1
IgE
PAH
PAPR
PET
PRBC
RBC
RSV
SCLC
SIADH
TB
Full Name
Arterial Blood Gas
Antidiuretic Hormone
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
Cystic Fibrosis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second
Immunoglobulin E
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator
Positron Emission Tomography
Packed Red Blood Cells
Red Blood Cell
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion
Tuberculosis
Rapid-Fire High-Yield Memory Keys
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Asthma: Asthma = airway problem: bronchoconstriction + mucus → think Ineffective Airway Clearance.
Asthma control: 0 problem features = controlled; 1–2 = partly controlled; 3–4 = uncontrolled.
FEV1 — Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second: Key pulmonary-function number: forced volume exhaled in the first second.
Status asthmaticus: Rescue inhaler not working + severe symptoms = life-threatening emergency.
ABG — Arterial Blood Gas: pH first → CO₂ = respiratory acid → HCO₃⁻ = metabolic base.
Compensation: Abnormal pH + both systems changed = partial compensation; normal pH with abnormal CO₂/HCO₃⁻ = compensated.
COPD — Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Emphysema + chronic bronchitis; CO₂ retention → respiratory acidosis.
AAT — Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency: Young nonsmoker with early emphysema → think AAT deficiency.
Oxygen safety: No smoking/open flame; avoid petroleum products; secure oxygen equipment.
Nonrebreather mask: Inflate the reservoir bag before applying the mask.
Incentive spirometer: Inhale through it → helps prevent atelectasis.
CF — Cystic Fibrosis genetics: Autosomal recessive; Aa × Aa → 25% CF, 50% carrier, 25% unaffected.
CF — Cystic Fibrosis: Thick mucus → recurrent respiratory infection; this is the major lethal complication.
CF pancreas: Blocked pancreatic ducts → low digestive enzymes → greasy stools + poor growth.
Creon — Pancreatic enzymes: Give with every meal/snack; granules may be given with applesauce; avoid hot food.
PAH — Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Right-heart catheterization is definitive; sildenafil/tadalafil + nitrates = severe
hypotension.
SCLC → SIADH: Small-cell lung cancer → excess ADH → water retention → low sodium → seizure risk.
SIADH: Low serum sodium + low serum osmolality + concentrated low-volume urine.
Chest tube: New continuous bubbling = air leak; tidaling can be expected.
Chest tube emergency: Tube out of patient → cover site; tube disconnected from system → temporary sterile-water seal per protocol.
Tonsillectomy: Frequent swallowing = bleeding until proven otherwise.
Croup: Barking/seal-like cough + inspiratory stridor.
Epiglottitis: Drooling + dysphagia + dysphonia + distress → do not inspect/swab throat; airway ready.
TB — Tuberculosis: Active pulmonary TB = airborne + N95/PAPR; latent TB is not contagious.
PRBC — Packed Red Blood Cells: 0.9% normal saline; start slow; stay first 15 min; complete within 4 hr.
NU235 Midterm • 150 Memory Keys
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Transfusion reaction: STOP blood first → new tubing + normal saline → assess → notify provider/blood bank.
Hemolysis: Hemolysis = red blood cell destruction/rupture.
RBC compatibility: O− = universal packed-RBC donor; AB+ = universal packed-RBC recipient.
Autologous transfusion: Self-to-self blood; avoids donor-recipient ABO/Rh incompatibility.
150-Question Memory-Key Summary
Each line links the original practice question to the shortest useful test-day takeaway. Answer letters are included for quick self-check.
Q
Topic
Ans
Memory Key
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2
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Asthma
Asthma
Asthma
B
B
C
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5
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Asthma
Gas Exchange
Gas Exchange
Asthma
Asthma
Asthma
Asthma Control
Asthma Control
Pulmonary Function
Asthma vs COPD — Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Status Asthmaticus
Status Asthmaticus
Asthma Medications
Asthma Medications
Pediatric Asthma
ABG — Arterial Blood Gas
ABG — Arterial Blood Gas
ABG — Arterial Blood Gas
ABG — Arterial Blood Gas
ABG — Arterial Blood Gas
ABG — Arterial Blood Gas
COPD — Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease
COPD — Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease
COPD — Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease
Oxygen Safety
Oxygen Devices
Oxygen Devices
Incentive Spirometer
Incentive Spirometer
Incentive Spirometer
CPAP/BiPAP — Positive Airway
Pressure
BiPAP — Bilevel Positive Airway
Pressure
CF — Cystic Fibrosis
CF — Cystic Fibrosis Genetics
CF — Cystic Fibrosis Genetics
CF — Cystic Fibrosis Genetics
CF — Cystic Fibrosis
CF — Cystic Fibrosis
CF — Pancreatic Effects
CF — Pancreatic Effects
CF — Pancreatic Effects
CF — Steatorrhea
CF — Creon / Pancreatic Enzymes
CF — Creon / Pancreatic Enzymes
CF — Gastrointestinal Effects
CF — Infection Control
CF — Lung Transplant
PAH — Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension
PAH — Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension
PAH — Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension
B
B
B
A,B,C,D
B
C
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B
A
A
Asthma primarily creates an airway-clearance problem from bronchoconstriction and mucus.
Goblet cells secrete mucus and may increase in number with chronic airway irritation.
Asthma can involve smooth-muscle hypertrophy, thickened basement membrane, and increased
mucus.
Cilia move mucus and trapped particles upward for removal.
Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
Gas diffusion is passive and does not require ATP.
All four can act as asthma triggers in susceptible patients.
Eosinophilia can support allergic inflammation in asthma.
IgE is central to immediate allergic responses.
3 asthma-control problem features → uncontrolled.
Asthma control: 0 = controlled; 1–2 = partly controlled; 3–4 = uncontrolled.
FEV1 is the amount exhaled forcefully in the first second.
Reversibility of airflow obstruction is a key distinction emphasized in lecture.
B
A,B,C,D
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A
A
B
A
B
B
A
B
A
Severe asthma unresponsive to usual rescue treatment is a life-threatening emergency.
Severe status asthmaticus may require all of these emergency measures.
Albuterol is a short-acting rescue bronchodilator.
Montelukast (Singulair) is a controller medication, not a rescue medication.
A spacer/holding chamber, often with a mask, improves delivery in young children.
ABG: start with pH to decide acidosis vs alkalosis.
CO₂ = respiratory acid: high CO₂ → acidosis; low CO₂ → alkalosis.
HCO₃⁻ = metabolic base: low → acidosis; high → alkalosis.
Low pH + high CO₂ + high HCO₃⁻ → partially compensated respiratory acidosis.
Low pH + low HCO₃⁻ + low CO₂ → partially compensated metabolic acidosis.
Normalization of pH indicates successful compensation.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the classic COPD conditions.
A
Young nonsmoker + early severe emphysema → alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
A
CO2 retention raises PaCO2 and can lower pH, producing respiratory acidosis.
A,B,C,D
A
B
A
A
A
A
All reduce fire and injury risk with home oxygen.
Nasal cannula is a standard low-flow oxygen device.
Nonrebreather: inflate reservoir bag before applying mask.
Incentive spirometer → prevent atelectasis.
It encourages sustained inspiration and alveolar expansion.
Postoperative and immobile patients are at increased risk for atelectasis.
CPAP = one continuous pressure; BiPAP = two pressure levels.
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A,B,C,D
A
B
A
Persistent need for BiPAP can indicate more severe respiratory compromise requiring closer
monitoring.
CF is autosomal recessive.
Aa × Aa → 25% CF, 50% carrier, 25% unaffected.
Half of the offspring are expected to be heterozygous carriers.
AA × Aa → 0% CF; 50% carriers.
Thick secretions impair mucus clearance and promote infection.
CF major lethal complication → recurrent/severe respiratory infection.
Pancreatic duct obstruction reduces enzyme delivery and causes maldigestion/malabsorption.
Lipase breaks down fats.
Amylase digests carbohydrates.
Steatorrhea = greasy, bulky, foul-smelling, floating stool.
Pancreatic enzymes → every meal and snack.
Creon granules: applesauce is a safe exam example; avoid mixing into hot food.
All can result from maldigestion and malabsorption in CF.
Cross-infection with organisms such as resistant respiratory bacteria is a major concern.
Lung transplant does not cure CF → genetic/systemic disease remains.
Pulmonary hypertension is high pressure in the pulmonary arterial circulation.
A
Pulmonary hypertension definitive test → right-heart catheterization.
A
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor used in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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PAH — Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension
PAH — Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension
IPF — Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
IPF — Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Lung Cancer / SCLC — Small-Cell Lung
Cancer
SIADH — Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion
SIADH — Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion
SIADH — Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion
Lung Cancer / SCLC — Small-Cell Lung
Cancer
Lung Cancer / SCLC — Small-Cell Lung
Cancer
Lung Cancer / SCLC — Small-Cell Lung
Cancer
Lung Surgery
Lung Surgery
Chest Tube
Chest Tube
Chest Tube
Chest Tube Emergency
Chest Tube Emergency
Chest Tube Emergency
Chest Tube
Pediatric Chronic Illness
Pediatric Chronic Illness
Grief
Grief
Grief
Grief
Grief
Pediatric Terminal Care
Cultural Care
A
Sildenafil + nitroglycerin → profound hypotension.
A
Tadalafil + nitrate → dangerous hypotension; check last dose.
A
A
A
Fibrosis stiffens the lungs and limits expansion, making it restrictive.
Hyperinflation is typical of emphysema, while fibrosis causes stiff, less compliant lungs.
SCLC → ectopic ADH → SIADH.
A
SIADH → low-volume, concentrated urine.
A
SIADH → water retention → dilutional hyponatremia.
A
Severe hyponatremia → neuro changes/seizures → seizure precautions.
A,B,C,D
All are recognized lung-cancer warning symptoms.
A
PET imaging is used to evaluate metabolically active cancer and metastases.
A
Biopsy provides tissue diagnosis.
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A,B,C,D
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Pediatric Chronic Illness
Pediatric Terminal Care
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Pediatric Respiratory
Allergic Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Otitis Media
Otitis Media
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy
Laryngomalacia
Laryngomalacia
Croup
Croup
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis
RSV — Respiratory Syncytial Virus
RSV — Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction
Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction
Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction
Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction
ARDS — Acute Respiratory Distress
Syndrome
A,B,C,D
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Pneumonectomy is removal of an entire lung.
Lobectomy removes a lobe.
Air rises → chest tube for air is generally higher; fluid drains lower.
New continuous bubbling in water seal → air leak.
Tidaling with respirations can be expected.
Chest tube pulled out → cover site immediately with occlusive dressing per protocol.
Tube disconnected from drainage system → temporary sterile-water seal per protocol.
The instructor described all of these as useful emergency supplies.
Do not routinely clamp chest tubes → trapped air can cause tension pneumothorax.
The instructor emphasized preserving core routines despite the illness.
Sibling toileting/behavior setback after illness stress → regression.
Refusal to accept the reality is characteristic of denial.
Anger commonly includes blame, frustration, and 'why us?' statements.
Conditional promises are characteristic of bargaining.
Anticipatory grief = grief before the expected loss.
Grief stages are not linear; people can move back and forth.
Terminal-care communication → truthful, direct, developmentally appropriate language.
The instructor used the Ramadan example to show that sensitivity requires applying cultural
knowledge respectfully.
All were emphasized as possible supports.
Family-centered postmortem care includes time, privacy, and emotional support.
The instructor's course slide places the larynx in the upper airway.
The lecture classified the trachea and structures below as lower airway.
The epiglottis protects the airway during swallowing.
C-shaped tracheal cartilage allows posterior flexibility beside the esophagus.
Type II pneumocytes produce surfactant.
Surfactant ↓ surface tension → keeps alveoli open.
Infant nasal obstruction → breathing + feeding difficulty.
Children’s more horizontal eustachian tubes → higher otitis-media risk.
Young children often show prominent abdominal movement with respiration.
All can reduce common indoor allergens.
Persistent URI symptoms beyond about 10 days with facial pressure suggest sinusitis.
Middle-ear effusion can push the tympanic membrane outward.
Water exposure can worsen infection risk while the ear is draining.
Viral pharyngitis tends to be milder and may include cough.
Group A Streptococcus is the classic bacterial cause.
The swab should avoid touching the tongue, cheeks, or other oral surfaces.
Post-tonsillectomy frequent swallowing → suspect bleeding.
Red/purple coloring can be mistaken for blood.
All can indicate postoperative bleeding.
Laryngomalacia involves abnormally soft laryngeal structures.
Airway obstruction/aspiration is the major risk.
Croup → barking/seal-like cough.
Croup → inspiratory stridor.
Epiglottitis 4 D’s → drooling, dysphagia, dysphonia, respiratory distress.
Epiglottitis → stay, keep calm, do not inspect/swab throat, airway ready.
Epiglottitis + tongue depressor/throat manipulation → STOP; may trigger obstruction.
RSV is viral → uncomplicated bronchiolitis treatment is mainly supportive.
Contact precautions are commonly used for RSV; facilities may add droplet precautions.
This infection-versus-noninflammatory distinction was emphasized in lecture.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia typically develops 48 hours or more after admission.
An endotracheal tube bypasses normal defenses and increases infection risk.
Responsive infant choking → 5 back slaps + 5 chest thrusts.
Responsive child >1 year choking → abdominal thrusts.
Unresponsive choking → CPR; remove object only if visible.
No blind finger sweeps → may push foreign body deeper.
ARDS causes severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and often requires advanced ventilation.
NU235 Midterm • 150 Memory Keys
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Apnea
TB — Tuberculosis
TB — Tuberculosis
TB — Tuberculosis
TB — Tuberculosis
TB — Tuberculosis
TB — Tuberculosis
TB — Tuberculosis
RBC — Red Blood Cell Compatibility
RBC — Red Blood Cell Compatibility
RBC — Red Blood Cell Compatibility
RBC — Red Blood Cell Compatibility
RBC — Red Blood Cell Compatibility
RBC — Red Blood Cell Compatibility
RBC — Red Blood Cell Compatibility
PRBC — Packed Red Blood Cell
Transfusion
PRBC — Packed Red Blood Cell
Transfusion
PRBC — Packed Red Blood Cell
Transfusion
PRBC — Packed Red Blood Cell
Transfusion
PRBC — Packed Red Blood Cell
Transfusion
Transfusion Reaction
Transfusion Reaction
Hemolysis
Hemolysis
PRBC — Packed Red Blood Cell
Transfusion
Blood Products
Autologous Transfusion
Autologous Transfusion
Cell Saver
Massive Transfusion
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A,B,C,D
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Apnea = ≥20 sec, or shorter with bradycardia/cyanosis.
Positive TB skin/blood test = infection/sensitization; does not alone prove active TB.
BCG vaccine → IGRA preferred because BCG does not cause false-positive IGRA.
Latent TB = infected but not contagious.
Active pulmonary TB → airborne precautions.
TB airborne protection → fit-tested N95 or PAPR.
All increase exposure risk or progression risk.
TB multidrug adherence → prevents treatment failure and resistance.
O− = universal packed-RBC donor when type is unknown.
AB+ = universal packed-RBC recipient.
A+ receives A+, A−, O+, O−.
AB− receives AB−, A−, B−, O−.
B-negative RBCs can go to B or AB recipients, whether Rh-negative or positive.
O+ receives O+ or O− only.
O-positive RBCs can be given to Rh-positive recipients of any ABO type.
Before blood → order + patient ID + ABO/Rh + product/expiration + two-RN check per policy.
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PRBCs → 0.9% normal saline is the standard compatible IV solution.
A
Course exam cue: start PRBCs slowly, about 50–60 mL/hr initially.
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Transfusion → stay with patient during first 15 minutes.
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Reassess vital signs at about 15 minutes per course/policy.
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Suspected transfusion reaction → STOP transfusion first.
After stopping blood → new tubing + normal saline to maintain IV access.
Hemolysis = RBC destruction/rupture.
ABO/Rh incompatibility → acute hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Complete a unit of blood within 4 hours.
A,B,C,D
A
A
A
A
All are transfusable blood components/products in appropriate clinical situations.
Autologous transfusion = patient receives own blood.
Own blood → avoids donor-recipient ABO/Rh incompatibility.
Cell saver → collects/processes/returns patient’s own shed blood.
Massive transfusion protocol → life-threatening major hemorrhage requiring rapid replacement.
Last-Minute Formulas / Numbers
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ABG normals: pH 7.35–7.45; PaCO₂ 35–45 mmHg; HCO₃⁻ 22–26 mEq/L.
Sodium normal: 135–145 mEq/L.
CF genetics: AA = unaffected/non-carrier; Aa = carrier; aa = has CF.
Aa × Aa = 25% AA + 50% Aa + 25% aa.
Blood transfusion: stay first 15 min; complete within 4 hr.
Asthma control: 0 = controlled; 1–2 = partly controlled; 3–4 = uncontrolled.
NU235 Midterm • 150 Memory Keys