Respiratory Disorders: Comprehensive Learning Quizzes for Nursing Students

Question 1

In managing acute respiratory distress during a COPD exacerbation, which nursing action is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Provide oxygen therapy

Answer

Administer bronchodilators

Answer

Monitor vital signs

Answer

Administer corticosteroids

Question 2

What is the primary effect of beta-agonists in treating asthma?

Accepted Answer

Open airways

Answer

Reduce mucus

Answer

Block inflammation

Answer

Increase breathing rate

Question 3

What is the primary function of alveolar macrophages in the development of pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Engulf and destroy pathogens

Answer

Produce antibodies

Answer

Increase mucus secretion

Answer

Trigger inflammation

Question 4

Explain how oxygen therapy aids in managing respiratory distress and the key factors to consider when administering oxygen.

Accepted Answer

Oxygen therapy can alleviate hypoxemia and enhance tissue oxygenation.

Answer

Oxygen is only necessary for patients with oxygen saturation below 92%.

Answer

The oxygen administration rate is solely based on the patient's oxygen saturation.

Answer

Oxygen should be given at the highest possible rate to reach 100% oxygen saturation.

Question 5

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with acute bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Productive cough

Answer

Fatigue

Answer

Shortness of breath

Question 6

The primary objective of treatment for community-acquired pneumonia is to:

Accepted Answer

Eliminate the causative pathogen

Answer

Prevent complications

Answer

Improve oxygenation

Answer

Reduce inflammation

Question 7

The most frequent cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is:

Accepted Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Trauma

Answer

Aspiration

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 8

For a patient with asthma, which nursing intervention is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring for signs and symptoms of an exacerbation

Answer

Educating the patient about their medications

Answer

Providing emotional support to the patient

Answer

Encouraging the patient to engage in regular exercise

Question 9

The most common type of lung cancer is:

Accepted Answer

Non-small cell lung cancer

Answer

Small cell lung cancer

Answer

Mesothelioma

Answer

Lymphoma

Question 10

The primary nursing goal for a patient with a chest tube is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure the chest tube's patency

Answer

Monitor for signs of infection

Answer

Provide pain relief

Answer

Promote lung re-expansion

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of chest physiotherapy in respiratory disorders? List the techniques commonly used.

Accepted Answer

Promotes ventilation and oxygenation by clearing mucus and reducing airway obstruction

Answer

Exclusively used to treat pneumonia

Answer

Only involves suctioning procedures

Answer

Ineffective for patients with COPD

Question 12

How do beta-agonists and anticholinergics, two common bronchodilators, work?

Accepted Answer

They both relax airway muscles to relieve bronchospasm.

Answer

Beta-agonists are better than anticholinergics at reversing bronchospasm.

Answer

Anticholinergics make airway muscles contract more forcefully.

Question 13

A patient with acute bronchitis presents to the clinic with a persistent, non-productive cough. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the patient to rest and conserve energy.

Answer

Administer expectorants to loosen secretions.

Answer

Provide supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation.

Question 14

A patient with a history of smoking presents to the clinic with complaints of worsening shortness of breath and difficulty breathing out. On examination, the patient has a prolonged exhalation phase and reduced breath sounds. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Chronic bronchitis

Answer

Pulmonary edema

Question 15

Which of the following is a typical clinical manifestation of pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Productive cough with purulent or bloody sputum

Answer

Persistent sore throat

Answer

Hoarseness or loss of voice

Answer

Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Question 16

A patient with an acute exacerbation of COPD presents with pursed-lip breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention is most important to prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Give oxygen through a nasal tube to keep oxygen levels above 90%.

Answer

Suction the patient's mouth and throat.

Answer

Do chest physiotherapy, which includes postural drainage and percussion.

Question 17

The primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying asthma is:

Accepted Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Emphysema

Answer

Pulmonary edema

Answer

Atelectasis

Question 18

Which of the following is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Smoking

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Lung cancer

Question 19

The most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in adults is:

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Answer

Haemophilus influenzae

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Question 20

Which of the following is a characteristic finding on chest radiography in a patient with pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Hampton's hump

Answer

Infiltrate

Answer

Pleural effusion

Question 21

The primary nursing intervention for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is:

Accepted Answer

Mechanical ventilation

Answer

Oxygen therapy

Answer

Chest physiotherapy

Question 22

Which of the following medications is used as a controller medication for chronic asthma?

Accepted Answer

Inhaled corticosteroid

Answer

Antibiotic

Answer

Expectorant

Answer

Antihistamine

Question 23

The most common complication of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is:

Accepted Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Atelectasis

Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 24

Which of the following is a primary nursing responsibility for a patient with a chest tube?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining patency

Answer

Monitoring chest X-rays

Answer

Administering pain medication

Question 25

The most common histological type of lung cancer is:

Accepted Answer

Non-small cell lung cancer

Answer

Lymphoma

Answer

Small cell lung cancer

Answer

Mesothelioma

Question 26

Which of the following is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide

Answer

Body temperature regulation

Answer

Blood filtration

Answer

Hormone production

Question 27

In the management of an acute asthma exacerbation, which medication is typically used as the first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Short-acting beta2-agonists (e.g., albuterol)

Answer

Oral corticosteroids

Answer

Antibiotics

Question 28

When caring for patients with respiratory disorders, what is the primary nursing goal?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation

Answer

Providing emotional support

Answer

Managing pain

Answer

Preventing infections

Question 29

What is the most common cause of pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space)?

Accepted Answer

Congestive heart failure

Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Lung cancer

Question 30

Regarding a client with a respiratory infection, which nursing intervention takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Assessing breath sounds for changes in character or presence of adventitious sounds.

Answer

Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours.

Answer

Administering prescribed antibiotics once the specific causative organism is identified.

Answer

Positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position to ease breathing.

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical manifestation of pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis, which is not a typical sign of pneumonia unless severe.

Answer

Cough, which can range from mild to severe and is often productive of sputum.

Answer

Fever, which is a common symptom of pneumonia, typically ranging from low-grade to high-grade.

Answer

Productive sputum, which can vary in color and consistency depending on the underlying cause of the infection.

Question 32

To effectively prevent the spread of respiratory infections, what is considered the primary measure?

Accepted Answer

Frequent handwashing and respiratory hygiene, including covering coughs and sneezes with tissues and disposing of them properly.

Answer

Prophylactic antibiotics, which are not typically recommended as a general preventive measure for respiratory infections.

Answer

Isolation of infected individuals to limit their contact with others who are not immune.

Answer

Wearing personal protective equipment, such as masks and gowns, in specific healthcare settings or during outbreaks.

Question 33

For a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Administering bronchodilators as prescribed, which help relax the airways and improve airflow.

Answer

Restricting fluids to 1,500 mL/day, which is generally not necessary unless there are coexisting fluid balance issues.

Answer

Turning and coughing every 2 hours, which is more relevant for postoperative or immobile patients.

Answer

Elevating the legs to promote venous return, which is not a typical nursing intervention for COPD.

Question 34

An asthmatic client is experiencing an acute exacerbation. Which medication is most often prescribed to provide rapid relief?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol inhaler, a short-acting beta-agonist that quickly relaxes the airways.

Answer

Ipratropium bromide inhaler, a long-acting anticholinergic that is less commonly used for acute exacerbations.

Answer

Oral prednisone, an oral corticosteroid that is typically used for longer-term management rather than acute exacerbations.

Answer

Intravenous antibiotics, which are not typically indicated unless there is a concomitant infection.

Question 35

Which of the following is a potential complication of untreated respiratory acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias, as changes in blood pH can affect the electrical activity of the heart.

Answer

Hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, is not a common complication of respiratory acidosis.

Answer

Hypertension, an increase in blood pressure, is not a common manifestation of respiratory acidosis.

Answer

Thrombocytopenia, a decrease in platelet count, is not typically associated with respiratory acidosis.

Question 36

For a client receiving oxygen therapy, what is the primary nursing goal?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining adequate oxygenation, as determined by monitoring oxygen saturation levels and assessing for signs of respiratory distress.

Answer

Relieving pain, which is not typically a major concern unless there are underlying conditions causing discomfort.

Answer

Preventing infection, which is not the primary goal but is important in preventing complications.

Answer

Promoting sleep, which is important but not the primary goal of oxygen therapy.

Question 37

Which nursing action is most appropriate for a client with pleural effusion?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or increased respiratory rate.

Answer

Promoting coughing and deep breathing, which is not typically recommended for pleural effusion and may cause discomfort.

Answer

Restricting fluids to 1,000 mL/day, which is not necessary unless there are coexisting fluid balance issues.

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed, which may improve breathing but is not the primary nursing concern.

Question 38

A client with a pneumothorax experiences sudden onset of sharp, pleuritic chest pain. What should the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Assessing breath sounds for changes, such as decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side, to evaluate the severity of the pneumothorax.

Answer

Reassuring the client that the pain will subside, which is not an appropriate response as the pain may be indicative of a serious condition.

Answer

Administering pain medication as prescribed, which is appropriate for managing pain but not the initial nursing action.

Answer

Performing a chest X-ray, which is an important diagnostic tool but not the immediate priority.

Question 39

Which factor is most strongly linked to an increased risk of developing respiratory disorders?

Accepted Answer

Smoking, which damages the airways and impairs lung function.

Answer

Excessive exercise, which is generally beneficial for lung health unless overexertion occurs.

Answer

Regular sleep, which is important for overall health but does not directly increase the risk of respiratory disorders.

Answer

Healthy diet, which is not typically associated with an increased risk of respiratory disorders.

Question 40

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of obstructive lung diseases like COPD and asthma?

Accepted Answer

Dyspnea on exertion

Answer

Hemoptysis

Answer

Pleuritic chest pain

Answer

Chest pain

Question 41

Which of the following is the most frequent complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Accepted Answer

Multi-organ failure

Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 42

Which of the following medications is the first-line treatment for acute pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Heparin

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Albuterol

Question 43

A patient with cystic fibrosis is at increased risk for:

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Malnutrition

Answer

Respiratory infections

Answer

Diabetes

Question 44

A patient presents with sudden onset of shortness of breath, wheezing, and a history of asthma. Which medication would the nurse administer first?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol nebulizer

Answer

Montelukast tablet

Answer

Theophylline capsule

Answer

Fluticasone inhaler

Question 45

Which of the following is a typical clinical manifestation of a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain

Answer

Chronic cough with copious sputum production

Answer

Stridor and difficulty swallowing

Answer

Wheezing and prolonged expiratory phase

Question 46

A patient with emphysema is receiving oxygen therapy. What is a primary nursing consideration when adjusting the oxygen flow rate?

Accepted Answer

Avoid suppressing the hypoxic drive

Answer

Prevent carbon dioxide narcosis

Answer

Maximize oxygen delivery to tissues

Answer

Maintain oxygen saturation above 95%

Question 47

Which of the following actions is an essential component of managing a patient with a chest tube drainage system?

Accepted Answer

Keep drainage collection system below the level of the patient's chest

Answer

Apply petroleum jelly around the insertion site daily

Answer

Clamp the chest tube when ambulating

Answer

Milk the chest tube every 30 minutes

Question 48

A patient diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) asks the nurse about the duration of antibiotic treatment. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

You will typically need to take medication for at least 6-9 months to ensure the infection is fully treated and prevent the development of drug resistance.

Answer

You will need to take antibiotics until your symptoms resolve.

Answer

TB treatment usually lasts only a few weeks.

Question 49

What is the primary function of surfactant in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Reduces surface tension in the alveoli

Answer

Stimulates the cough reflex

Answer

Facilitates gas exchange across alveolar membrane

Answer

Increases lung compliance

Question 50

Which of the following conditions is characterized by a hyperinflated chest and a prolonged expiratory phase?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Pulmonary fibrosis

Answer

Asthma

Question 51

A patient with pneumonia develops acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). What is the hallmark characteristic of ARDS?

Accepted Answer

Refractory hypoxemia

Answer

Decreased work of breathing

Answer

Increased lung compliance

Answer

Elevated pulmonary artery pressure

Question 52

Which diagnostic test is most definitive in diagnosing a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)

Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer

Pulse oximetry

Answer

Chest X-ray

Question 53

What is the primary goal of nursing care for a patient experiencing a severe asthma exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Improve oxygenation and ventilation

Answer

Identify and eliminate environmental triggers

Answer

Reduce anxiety and promote comfort

Answer

Educate the patient about self-management techniques