WK 7 Respiratory Care Modalities - Practice questions

1. A nurse is caring for a patient on 4 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Add a humidifier to prevent mucosal drying.

2. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient receiving >50% oxygen for 24 hours?

Substernal chest discomfort

3. The nurse is teaching a patient about incentive spirometry. Which statement indicates understanding?

"I should take 5 to 10 deep breaths through the spirometer each hour while awake."

4. A COPD patient is receiving oxygen therapy. Which device is most appropriate to maintain precise oxygen delivery?

Venturi mask

5. The nurse assesses a patient using a non-rebreather mask. Which action is required?

Allow the reservoir bag to fully inflate before application.

6. A patient receiving mechanical ventilation shows a PaO₂ of 52 mm Hg and SpO₂ of 86%. Which intervention is the priority?

Increase FiO₂ on ventilator settings

7. Which condition is a contraindication for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV)?

Cognitive impairment after stroke

8. When preparing for endotracheal suctioning, the nurse should:

Use sterile technique and suction while withdrawing the catheter.

9. A nurse teaches pursed-lip breathing to a client with COPD. Which statement reflects correct technique?

"I'll exhale through tightly pursed lips to increase pressure."

10. A patient on mechanical ventilation is at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Which nursing action reduces this risk?

Keeping the head of bed elevated to at least 30°

11. During postural drainage, the nurse notes the patient becomes dyspneic and anxious. What should the nurse do first?

Stop the procedure and place the patient in a safe upright position

12. A nurse is caring for a patient using a mini-nebulizer for medication delivery. Which outcome indicates the therapy is effective?

Clear breath sounds and productive coughing

13. Which finding indicates a need for immediate intervention in a patient with a tracheostomy?

Sudden dyspnea and absence of breath sounds

14. The nurse assesses a patient receiving home oxygen via concentrator. Which teaching requires reinforcement?

"I'll use petroleum jelly around my nostrils for dryness."

15. A nurse prepares to suction a tracheostomy. Which guideline should the nurse follow?

Limit suctioning to no more than 3 passes

16. Which statement by the nurse best explains the function of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)?

"It delivers positive pressure during both inhalation and exhalation to keep airways open."

17. Which of the following is a clinical indication for mechanical ventilation?

SpO₂ of 89% on 70% FiO₂

18. Which action is most appropriate for evaluating the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy (CPT)?

Assessing for productive coughing and clear breath sounds

19. Which finding best supports readiness to wean a patient from mechanical ventilation?

pH 7.40, PaO₂ 85 mm Hg, FiO₂ 40%

20. The nurse assesses a patient being weaned from a ventilator. Which finding indicates weaning failure?

Increased restlessness and use of accessory muscles

21. What is the most common complication for patients who just had surgery?

atelectasis

22. A nurse is preparing to suction a patient's tracheostomy. Which action is appropriate?

Use sterile technique and limit suctioning to no more than 15 seconds.

23. Which assessment finding in a patient with a tracheostomy requires immediate nursing intervention?

Audible wheezing and labored breathing

24. The nurse is teaching a student how to perform tracheostomy suctioning. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further instruction?

"I should suction for no longer than 30 seconds per pass."

25. A nurse is caring for a patient with a new tracheostomy. Which of the following interventions best helps prevent airway obstruction?

Applying humidified oxygen and monitoring secretions

26. When assessing a patient's tracheostomy site, the nurse notes purulent drainage, redness, and swelling. What is the best initial action?

Notify the provider of potential infection

27. A nurse is caring for a patient with a tracheostomy who suddenly becomes restless, cyanotic, and has absent breath sounds. What is the priority nursing action?

Remove the inner cannula and assess patency