Nursing Care of Patients with Respiratory Disorders: Comprehensive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

The primary objective of preoperative care for patients with respiratory disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Prepare the patient for surgery and minimize potential complications afterwards

Answer

Offer respiratory support and prevent the onset of infections

Answer

Educate the patient about their condition and the treatment plan

Answer

Monitor the patient's vital signs and adjust medications as necessary

Question 2

In the immediate postoperative period, the most crucial intervention for patients with respiratory disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Frequent suctioning and administering chest physiotherapy

Answer

Providing pain medication when required

Answer

Monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation levels

Answer

Offering emotional support and reassurance

Question 3

Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to improve:

Accepted Answer

Ventilation and oxygenation in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Answer

Clearance of secretions in patients with pneumonia

Answer

Gas exchange in patients with pulmonary edema

Answer

Oxygenation in patients with respiratory failure

Question 4

The primary nursing goal in caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation

Answer

Prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia

Answer

Provide comfort and minimize anxiety

Answer

Monitor vital signs and adjust sedation levels

Question 5

A key component of end-of-life care for patients with respiratory disorders involves:

Accepted Answer

Providing comfort and preserving dignity

Answer

Administering antibiotics and steroids

Answer

Performing chest physiotherapy and suctioning

Answer

Monitoring vital signs and laboratory values

Question 6

The primary nursing intervention for a patient with a pneumothorax is to:

Accepted Answer

Insert a chest tube

Answer

Administer oxygen

Answer

Perform lung expansion maneuvers

Answer

Monitor vital signs and oxygen saturation levels

Question 7

The primary goal of preoperative care for patients undergoing thoracic surgery is:

Accepted Answer

Optimizing respiratory function

Answer

Preventing postoperative complications

Answer

Educating the patient about the surgery

Answer

Providing emotional support

Question 8

Which of the following is a sign that suggests the progression towards the end-of-life in a patient with respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Answer

Cushing's triad

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypertension

Question 9

When providing care for a patient experiencing acute respiratory failure, the primary nursing intervention should be:

Accepted Answer

Intubation and mechanical ventilation

Answer

Oxygen therapy

Answer

Chest physiotherapy

Answer

Bronchodilator therapy

Question 10

For a patient diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which nursing intervention is considered a top priority?

Accepted Answer

Administering oxygen

Answer

Inserting a nasogastric tube

Answer

Performing chest physiotherapy

Answer

Maintaining fluid balance

Question 11

In a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving bronchodilators, the most crucial nursing assessment to monitor is:

Accepted Answer

Oxygen saturation

Answer

Respiratory rate

Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Heart rate

Question 12

In the preoperative care of a patient scheduled for a lobectomy due to lung cancer, the most critical nursing intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Teaching deep breathing exercises

Answer

Administering antibiotics

Answer

Inserting a chest tube

Answer

Monitoring vital signs

Question 13

Select the factor that can contribute to the development of respiratory alkalosis:

Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation

Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Answer

Renal failure

Question 14

For a patient with a pulmonary embolism, what intervention should be a nurse's primary focus?

Accepted Answer

Initiating anticoagulation therapy

Answer

Administering oxygen

Answer

Providing thrombolytic therapy

Answer

Performing surgical embolectomy

Question 15

Which educational approach is most effective in promoting adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for patients with sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Involving patients in goal-setting and self-monitoring

Answer

Providing written materials only

Answer

Using a lecture-based approach

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a patent airway

Answer

Providing suctioning as needed

Answer

Monitoring oxygen saturation

Answer

Changing the tracheostomy tube daily

Question 17

In caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), what is the primary nursing diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Impaired gas exchange

Answer

Activity intolerance

Answer

Impaired skin integrity

Answer

Ineffective airway clearance

Question 18

What measure is most effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining proper hand hygiene

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed

Answer

Performing frequent oral suctioning

Answer

Administering antibiotic prophylaxis

Question 19

Which of the following respiratory symptoms is commonly associated with heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Dyspnea on exertion

Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Cough

Answer

Hemoptysis

Question 20

A nurse monitors a patient with asthma receiving albuterol nebulizer treatments. Which assessment finding indicates improvement in the patient's condition?

Accepted Answer

Decreased wheezing

Answer

Increased respiratory rate

Answer

Elevated blood pressure

Answer

Cyanosis

Question 21

Which of the following is a non-pharmacological intervention used in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Answer

Oxygen therapy

Answer

Bronchodilators

Answer

Antibiotics

Question 22

When providing end-of-life care for a patient with respiratory failure, the nurse should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Comfort and symptom management

Answer

Aggressive medical interventions

Answer

Prolonging life at all costs

Answer

Withholding pain medication

Question 23

Which of the following characteristics is associated with restrictive lung disease?

Accepted Answer

Decreased lung volume

Answer

Increased lung compliance

Answer

Hypoxemia

Answer

Hypercapnia

Question 24

A patient with a pneumothorax is experiencing severe dyspnea and hypotension. Which nursing intervention is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Insert a chest tube

Answer

Apply oxygen via nasal cannula

Answer

Administer morphine

Answer

Position the patient in Trendelenburg

Question 25

When suctioning a patient with a tracheostomy, what is the maximal recommended suction pressure?

Accepted Answer

80 mmHg

Answer

100 mmHg

Answer

120 mmHg

Answer

150 mmHg

Question 26

In the presence of severe dyspnea and hypotension, the most appropriate nursing action for a patient with a pneumothorax is to:

Accepted Answer

Insert a chest tube immediately

Answer

Administer oxygen via nasal cannula

Answer

Place the patient in a semi-Fowler's position

Answer

Call the physician for further instructions

Question 27

When healthy individuals exercise, what is the primary physiological response of their respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate and tidal volume

Answer

Decreased respiratory rate and decreased tidal volume

Answer

No change in respiratory rate or tidal volume

Answer

Increased respiratory rate but no change in tidal volume

Question 28

Which of the following nursing interventions is most important for assessing the patency of a chest tube drainage system?

Accepted Answer

Auscultate for air leaks at the insertion site every hour.

Answer

Monitor the patient's respiratory status every 4 hours.

Answer

Change the dressing on the chest tube insertion site daily.

Question 29

A patient is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following nursing interventions is most important to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the patient's head of bed to 30-45 degrees.

Answer

Monitor the patient's temperature every hour.

Answer

Change the ventilator circuit every 24 hours.

Answer

Suction the patient's airway every 4 hours.

Question 30

Which of the following is an early sign of respiratory distress?

Accepted Answer

Tachypnea

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Oliguria

Question 31

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a tracheostomy?

Accepted Answer

Suction the tracheostomy tube

Answer

Administer oxygen

Answer

Change the tracheostomy dressing

Answer

Monitor vital signs

Question 32

Which of the following is a common complication of mechanical ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Ventilator-associated pneumonia

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 33

What is the primary goal of pulmonary rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Improve exercise tolerance and quality of life

Answer

Prevent respiratory infections

Answer

Cure respiratory diseases

Question 34

When assessing a patient with a respiratory disorder, what is the first step the nurse should take?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a comprehensive health history.

Answer

Assess the patient's support system.

Answer

Perform a physical examination.

Answer

Review diagnostic test results.

Question 35

Which of the following is the most common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 36

What is the primary goal of nursing care for a patient with a pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Restore lung expansion.

Answer

Monitor vital signs.

Answer

Prevent infection.

Answer

Relieve pain.

Question 37

During an acute asthma attack, which medication would be the most appropriate to administer?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol (a short-acting bronchodilator)

Answer

Montelukast (a leukotriene modifier)

Answer

Fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid)

Answer

Theophylline (a long-acting bronchodilator)

Question 38

A patient with a pneumothorax is admitted to the hospital. Which nursing intervention is **most crucial** to monitor for potential complications?

Accepted Answer

Continuously assess the patient's respiratory status and promptly report any signs of tension pneumothorax, such as worsening dyspnea, chest pain, or tracheal deviation.

Answer

Administer pain medication as prescribed, and monitor its effectiveness.

Answer

Encourage the patient to deep breathe and cough regularly, as tolerated.

Question 39

A patient with pulmonary edema is receiving diuretic therapy. Which nursing intervention is **most important** to monitor for potential complications?

Accepted Answer

Closely monitor the patient's electrolyte levels, particularly potassium, and report any significant changes to the healthcare provider.

Answer

Encourage the patient to deep breathe and cough regularly, as tolerated, to clear airway secretions.

Answer

Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed, and monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels.

Question 40

A patient with a history of smoking is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of lung cancer. Which nursing intervention is **most important** to address the patient's psychosocial needs?

Accepted Answer

Provide empathetic emotional support and actively listen to the patient's feelings and concerns, offering reassurance and resources as needed.

Answer

Educate the patient about the risks of smoking and encourage them to quit, if they haven't already, but focus on their current needs.

Answer

Administer medications as prescribed to manage symptoms, but also address the patient's emotional and social well-being.

Question 41

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing dyspnea. Which nursing intervention is **most appropriate** to address this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Administer supplemental oxygen as prescribed, monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation levels and adjusting therapy as needed.

Answer

Encourage the patient to use a semi-Fowler's or high Fowler's position to facilitate breathing.

Answer

Provide the patient with a high-protein, high-calorie diet to maintain nutritional status.

Answer

Encourage the patient to perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises to improve lung capacity.

Question 42

A patient with pneumonia is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding **indicates the oxygen therapy is ineffective**?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygen saturation levels despite oxygen administration, even after troubleshooting equipment and positioning.

Answer

Increased respiratory rate, as this can be a sign of respiratory distress but not necessarily ineffective oxygen therapy.

Answer

Absence of chest pain, as chest pain is not a reliable indicator of oxygenation status.

Answer

Clear breath sounds, as this indicates an open airway but not necessarily effective oxygenation.

Question 43

A patient with asthma is experiencing an acute exacerbation. Which medication should the nurse administer **first**?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol (a short-acting bronchodilator), as it provides rapid relief of bronchospasm.

Answer

Theophylline (a long-acting bronchodilator), as it has a slower onset of action and is not the initial treatment for acute exacerbations.

Answer

Montelukast (a leukotriene modifier), as it is used for long-term prophylaxis and not for acute exacerbations.

Answer

Fluticasone (a corticosteroid), as it is used for long-term control and not for acute relief.

Question 44

A patient with a tracheostomy is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which nursing intervention is **essential** to maintain airway patency?

Accepted Answer

Suction the tracheostomy tube as needed, using sterile technique, to remove secretions and prevent airway obstruction.

Answer

Encourage the patient to cough frequently, which may be difficult with a tracheostomy and not the primary way to maintain airway patency.

Answer

Provide frequent oral hygiene, which is important for comfort but does not directly maintain airway patency.

Answer

Administer antibiotics as prescribed, which addresses infection but not airway maintenance.

Question 45

A patient with a pulmonary embolism is receiving anticoagulation therapy. Which nursing intervention is **most important** to prevent complications?

Accepted Answer

Monitor the patient closely for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematuria, or gum bleeding, and report any suspected bleeding immediately.

Answer

Provide a high-fiber diet, which is important for preventing constipation but not directly related to bleeding risk.

Answer

Administer pain medication as needed, which is important for comfort but not the primary focus in preventing complications of anticoagulation.

Answer

Encourage ambulation as tolerated, which is important for preventing complications but not the most important intervention in anticoagulation therapy.

Question 46

A patient with a pneumothorax is receiving chest tube drainage. Which nursing assessment is **most important** to monitor?

Accepted Answer

Monitor the drainage system for air leaks, such as bubbling in the water seal chamber or fluctuations in the water level, and promptly report any findings to the healthcare provider.

Answer

Assess the patient's respiratory rate, which is important but not the most critical aspect of chest tube monitoring.

Answer

Assess the patient's pain level, which is important for comfort but not the primary focus of chest tube monitoring.

Answer

Monitor the patient's temperature, which is important for infection control but not the most critical aspect of chest tube monitoring.

Question 47

A patient with a history of respiratory infections is being discharged home. Which instruction is **most important** for the nurse to provide?

Accepted Answer

Avoid exposure to sick individuals, as this is the most effective way to prevent further respiratory infections.

Answer

Get adequate sleep, which is important for overall health but not the most critical instruction for preventing infections.

Answer

Maintain a healthy diet, which is important for overall health but not the most critical instruction for preventing infections.

Answer

Perform regular exercise, which is important for overall health but not the most critical instruction for preventing infections.

Question 48

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned to the unit after a thoracotomy. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's airway and breathing.

Answer

Encourage the patient to use the incentive spirometer every hour.

Answer

Check the patient's surgical dressing for drainage.

Answer

Monitor the patient's pain level and administer analgesics as prescribed.

Question 49

A nurse is teaching a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about pulmonary rehabilitation. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

I should avoid exercising because it will make my breathing worse.

Answer

I should eat a healthy diet that is high in calories and protein.

Answer

I should use pursed-lip breathing during exercise and periods of shortness of breath.

Question 50

A nurse is providing end-of-life care to a patient with terminal lung cancer. Which of the following interventions is most important?

Accepted Answer

Administering pain medication as prescribed and as needed.

Answer

Performing chest physiotherapy to clear the patient's airway.

Answer

Encouraging the patient to eat a high-calorie, high-protein diet.

Question 51

A nurse is caring for a patient with a pneumothorax who has a chest tube in place. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the physician immediately?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal deviation to the opposite side of the chest tube.

Answer

Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.

Answer

Fluctuation of the water level in the water-seal chamber with respirations.

Question 52

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.

Answer

Change the ventilator tubing every 8 hours.

Answer

Suction the patient's airway every 2 hours.

Answer

Provide oral care with chlorhexidine solution every 4 hours.

Question 53

A patient with asthma is prescribed a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (SABA) inhaler. When should the patient use this inhaler?

Accepted Answer

As needed for sudden shortness of breath.

Answer

To prevent exercise-induced asthma.

Answer

Every day at the same time, even without symptoms.

Answer

Only when experiencing a severe asthma attack.

Question 54

A nurse is assessing a patient with cystic fibrosis. Which of the following findings is most concerning?

Accepted Answer

New onset of fever and increased sputum production.

Answer

Barrel chest and clubbing of the fingers.

Answer

Chronic cough and thick, tenacious sputum.

Question 55

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula. Which of the following actions is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the nasal cannula is properly positioned in the patient's nostrils.

Answer

Increase the oxygen flow rate whenever the patient experiences shortness of breath.

Answer

Apply petroleum jelly to the patient's nostrils to prevent dryness.

Question 56

A patient with a history of sleep apnea is being discharged home with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. What instruction is crucial for the nurse to provide?

Accepted Answer

Wear the CPAP mask every night, even for short naps.

Answer

Share the CPAP machine with family members who snore.

Answer

Use the CPAP machine only when feeling short of breath during the night.

Question 57

A nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE). What is the primary mechanism of action of the heparin infusion prescribed for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Preventing further clot formation.

Answer

Thinning the blood to improve oxygenation.

Answer

Dissolving the existing clot.