NCLEX Respiratory Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
You're caring for a patient with pneumonia. The patient has just started treatment for pneumonia and is still experiencing hypoxemia. You know that respiratory acidosis is very common with patients with pneumonia. Which arterial blood gases below represent respiratory acidosis that is NOT compensated?
A. pH 7.29, PaCO2 55, HCO3 23, PO2 85
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 35, HCO3 22, PO2 85
C. pH 7.20, PaCO2 20, HCO3 28, PO2 85
D. pH 7.55, PaCO 63, HCO3 19, PO2 85
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH (<7.35) and high PaCO2 (>45). Option A (pH 7.29, PaCO2 55, HCO3 23) shows uncompensated respiratory acidosis, as HCO3 is normal, indicating no renal compensation. Other options show normal pH, respiratory alkalosis, or invalid data.
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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