NCLEX Respiratory Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
The charge nurse is making rounds. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. The 29-year-old client diagnosed with reactive airway disease who is complaining the nurse caring for him was rude.
B. The 76-year-old client diagnosed with heart failure who has 2+ edema of the lower extremities.
C. The 15-year-old client diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis after a bout with the flu who has a blood glucose reading of 189 mg/dL.
D. The 62-year-old client diagnosed with COPD and pneumonia who is receiving O2 by nasal cannula at two (2) liters per minute.
Explanation: Blood glucose 189 mg/dL in DKA (C) indicates potential instability, requiring immediate assessment. Rudeness (A), edema (B), and stable COPD (D) are less urgent.
Question 2 of 5.
The client has been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. Which sign/symptom alerts the nurse to a potentially life-threatening complication?
A. Muscle weakness.
B. Purulent sputum.
C. Nuchal rigidity.
D. Intermittent loss of muscle control.
Explanation: Nuchal rigidity (C) suggests meningitis, a life-threatening sinusitis complication. Muscle weakness (A) and loss of control (D) are unrelated, and purulent sputum (B) is more typical of respiratory infections.
Question 3 of 5.
The charge nurse on a surgical floor is making assignments. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced registered nurse (RN)?
A. The 36-year-old client who has undergone an antral irrigation for sinusitis yesterday and has moderate pain.
B. The six-(6)-year-old client scheduled for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy this morning who will not swallow medication.
C. The 18-year-old client who had a Caldwell-Luc procedure three (3) days ago and has purulent drainage on the drip pad.
D. The 45-year-old client diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess who requires IVPB antibiotic therapy four (4) times a day.
Explanation: Purulent drainage post-Caldwell-Luc (C) suggests infection, requiring experienced assessment. Antral irrigation (A), tonsillectomy refusal (B), and antibiotics (D) are less complex.
Question 4 of 5.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a cold. Which is an example of an alternative therapy?
A. Vitamin C, 2,000 mg daily.
B. Strict bedrest.
C. Humidification of the air.
D. Decongestant therapy.
Explanation: Vitamin C (A) is an alternative therapy for colds, with unproven efficacy. Bedrest (B), humidification (C), and decongestants (D) are standard supportive measures.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with a community-acquired pneumonia is being admitted to the medical unit. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
A. Administer the ordered oral antibiotic immediately (STAT).
B. Order the meal tray to be delivered as soon as possible.
C. Obtain a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity.
D. Have the unlicensed assistive personnel weigh the client.
Explanation: Obtaining sputum culture (C) before antibiotics ensures accurate pathogen identification, a priority. Antibiotics (A) follow, meals (B) and weight (D) are less urgent.
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