Introduction

Another 50-item NCLEX style exam that covers the diseases affecting the Respiratory System. These questions will challenge your knowledge about the concepts behind Bronchial Asthma, COPD, Pneumonia and many more.

Topics

Diseases of the Respiratory System Bronchial Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Pneumonia

Guidelines

Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. You are given one minute per question. Spend your time wisely! Answers and rationales are given below. Be sure to read them. If you need more clarifications, please direct them to the comments section.

Questions
Text Practice Exam

In Text Mode: All questions and answers are given for reading and answering at your own pace. You can also copy this exam and make a print out. 1. Aminophylline (theophylline) is prescribed for a client with acute bronchitis. A nurse administers the medication, knowing that the primary action of this medication is to: 1. Promote expectoration 2. Suppress the cough 3. Relax smooth muscles of the bronchial airway 4. Prevent infection 2. A client is receiving isoetharine hydrochloride (Bronkosol) via a nebulizer. The nurse monitors the client for which side effect of this medication?

1. Constipation 2. Diarrhea 3. Bradycardia 4. Tachycardia 3. A nurse teaches a client about the use of a respiratory inhaler. Which action by the client indicated a need for further teaching? 1. Removes the cap and shakes the inhaler well before use. 2. Presses the canister down with finger as he breathes in. 3. Inhales the mist and quickly exhales. 4. Waits 1 to 2 minutes between puffs if more than one puff has been prescribed. 4. A female client is scheduled to have a chest radiograph. Which of the following questions is of most importance to the nurse assessing this client? 1. Is there any possibility that you could be pregnant? 2. Are you wearing any metal chains or jewelry? 3. Can you hold your breath easily? 4. Are you able to hold your arms above your head? 5. A client has just returned to a nursing unit following bronchoscopy. A nurse would implement which of the following nursing interventions for this client? 1. Encouraging additional fluids for the next 24 hours 2. Ensuring the return of the gag reflex before offering foods or fluids 3. Administering atropine intravenously 4. Administering small doses of midazolam (Versed). 6. A client has an order to have radial ABG drawn. Before drawing the sample, a nurse occludes the: 1. Brachial and radial arteries, and then releases them and observes the circulation of the hand. 2. Radial and ulnar arteries, releases one, evaluates the color of the hand, and repeats the process with the other artery. 3. Radial artery and observes for color changes in the affected hand. 4. Ulnar artery and observes for color changes in the affected hand. 7. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic airflow limitation and notes that the client has a barrel chest. The nurse interprets that this client has which of the following forms of chronic airflow limitation? 1. Chronic obstructive bronchitis 2. Emphysema

3. Bronchial asthma 4. Bronchial asthma and bronchitis 8. A client has been taking benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) as prescribed. A nurse concludes that the medication is having the intended effect if the client experiences: 1. Decreased anxiety level 2. Increased comfort level 3. Reduction of N/V 4. Decreased frequency and intensity of cough 9. Which of the following would be an expected outcome for a client recovering from an upper respiratory tract infection? The client will: 1. Maintain a fluid intake of 800 ml every 24 hours. 2. Experience chills only once a day 3. Cough productively without chest discomfort. 4. Experience less nasal obstruction and discharge. 10. Which of the following individuals would the nurse consider to have the highest priority for receiving an influenza vaccination? 1. A 60-year-old man with a hiatal hernia 2. A 36-year-old woman with 3 children 3. A 50-year-old woman caring for a spouse with cancer 4. a 60-year-old woman with osteoarthritis 11. A client with allergic rhinitis asks the nurse what he should do to decrease his symptoms. Which of the following instructions would be appropriate for the nurse to give the client? 1. Use your nasal decongestant spray regularly to help clear your nasal passages. 2. Ask the doctor for antibiotics. Antibiotics will help decrease the secretion. 3. It is important to increase your activity. A daily brisk walk will help promote drainage. 4. Keep a diary if when your symptoms occur. This can help you identify what precipitates your attacks. 12. An elderly client has been ill with the flu, experiencing headache, fever, and chills. After 3 days, she develops a cough productive of yellow sputum. The nurse auscultates her lungs and hears diffuse crackles. How would the nurse best interpret these assessment findings? 1. It is likely that the client is developing a secondary bacterial pneumonia. 2. The assessment findings are consistent with influenza and are to be expected. 3. The client is getting dehydrated and needs to increase her fluid intake to decrease secretions. 4. The client has not been taking her decongestants and bronchodilators as prescribed.

13. Guaifenesin 300 mg four times daily has been ordered as an expectorant. The dosage strength of the liquid is 200mg/5ml. How many mL should the nurse administer each dose? 1. 5.0 ml 2. 7.5 ml 3. 9.5 ml 4. 10 ml 14. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) has been ordered as a nasal decongestant. Which of the following is a possible side effect of this drug? 1. Constipation 2. Bradycardia 3. Diplopia 4. Restlessness 15. A client with COPD reports steady weight loss and being too tired from just breathing to eat. Which of the following nursing diagnoses would be most appropriate when planning nutritional interventions for this client? 1. Altered nutrition: Less than body requirements related to fatigue. 2. Activity intolerance related to dyspnea. 3. Weight loss related to COPD. 4. Ineffective breathing pattern related to alveolar hypoventilation. 16. When developing a discharge plan to manage the care of a client with COPD, the nurse should anticipate that the client will do which of the following? 1. Develop infections easily 2. Maintain current status 3. Require less supplemental oxygen 4. Show permanent improvement. 17. Which of the following outcomes would be appropriate for a client with COPD who has been discharged to home? The client: 1. Promises to do pursed lip breathing at home. 2. States actions to reduce pain. 3. States that he will use oxygen via a nasal cannula at 5 L/minute. 4. Agrees to call the physician if dyspnea on exertion increases. 18. Which of the following physical assessment findings would the nurse expect to find in a client with advanced COPD?

1. Increased anteroposterior chest diameter 2. Underdeveloped neck muscles 3. Collapsed neck veins 4. Increased chest excursions with respiration 19. Which of the following is the primary reason to teach pursed-lip breathing to clients with emphysema? 1. To promote oxygen intake 2. To strengthen the diaphragm 3. To strengthen the intercostal muscles 4. To promote carbon dioxide elimination 20. Which of the following is a priority goal for the client with COPD? 1. Maintaining functional ability 2. Minimizing chest pain 3. Increasing carbon dioxide levels in the blood 4. Treating infectious agents 21. A clients arterial blood gas levels are as follows: pH 7.31; PaO2 80 mm Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg; HCO3- 36 mEq/L. Which of the following signs or symptoms would the nurse expect? 1. Cyanosis 2. Flushed skin 3. Irritability 4. Anxiety 22. When teaching a client with COPD to conserve energy, the nurse should teach the client to lift objects: 1. While inhaling through an open mouth. 2. While exhaling through pursed lips 3. After exhaling but before inhaling. 4. While taking a deep breath and holding it. 23. The nurse teaches a client with COPD to assess for s/s of right-sided heart failure. Which of the following s/s would be included in the teaching plan? 1. Clubbing of nail beds 2. Hypertension 3. Peripheral edema 4. Increased appetite

24. The nurse assesses the respiratory status of a client who is experiencing an exacerbation of COPD secondary to an upper respiratory tract infection. Which of the following findings would be expected? 1. Normal breath sounds 2. Prolonged inspiration 3. Normal chest movement 4. Coarse crackles and rhonchi 25. Which of the following ABG abnormalities should the nurse anticipate in a client with advanced COPD? 1. Increased PaCO2 2. Increased PaO2 3. Increased pH. 4. Increased oxygen saturation 26. Which of the following diets would be most appropriate for a client with COPD? 1. Low fat, low cholesterol 2. Bland, soft diet 3. Low-Sodium diet 4. High calorie, high-protein diet 27. The nurse is planning to teach a client with COPD how to cough effectively. Which of the following instructions should be included? 1. Take a deep abdominal breath, bend forward, and cough 3 to 4 times on exhalation. 2. Lie flat on back, splint the thorax, take two deep breaths and cough. 3. Take several rapid, shallow breaths and then cough forcefully. 4. Assume a side-lying position, extend the arm over the head, and alternate deep breathing with coughing. 28. A 34-year-old woman with a history of asthma is admitted to the emergency department. The nurse notes that the client is dyspneic, with a respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute, nasal flaring, and use of accessory muscles. Auscultation of the lung fields reveals greatly diminished breath sounds. Based on these findings, what action should the nurse take to initiate care of the client? 1. Initiate oxygen therapy and reassess the client in 10 minutes. 2. Draw blood for an ABG analysis and send the client for a chest x-ray. 3. Encourage the client to relax and breathe slowly through the mouth 4. Administer bronchodilators

29. The nurse would anticipate which of the following ABG results in a client experiencing a prolonged, severe asthma attack? 1. Decreased PaCO2, increased PaO2, and decreased pH. 2. Increased PaCO2, decreased PaO2, and decreased pH. 3. Increased PaCO2, increased PaO2, and increased pH. 4. Decreased PaCO2, decreased PaO2, and increased pH. 30. A client with acute asthma is prescribed short-term corticosteroid therapy. What is the rationale for the use of steroids in clients with asthma? 1. Corticosteroids promote bronchodilation 2. Corticosteroids act as an expectorant 3. Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory effect 4. Corticosteroids prevent development of respiratory infections. 31. The nurse is teaching the client how to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to administer a Corticosteroid drug. Which of the following client actions indicates that he is using the MDI correctly? Select all that apply. 1. The inhaler is held upright. 2. Head is tilted down while inhaling the medication 3. Client waits 5 minutes between puffs. 4. Mouth is rinsed with water following administration 5. Client lies supine for 15 minutes following administration. 32. A client is prescribed metaproterenol (Alupent) via a metered dose inhaler (MDI), two puffs every 4 hours. The nurse instructs the client to report side effects. Which of the following are potential side effects of metaproterenol? 1. Irregular heartbeat 2. Constipation 3. Pedal edema 4. Decreased heart rate. 33. A client has been taking flunisolide (Aerobid), two inhalations a day, for treatment of asthma. He tells the nurse that he has painful, white patches in his mouth. Which response by the nurse would be the most appropriate? 1. This is an anticipated side-effect of your medication. It should go away in a couple of weeks. 2. You are using your inhaler too much and it has irritated your mouth. 3. You have developed a fungal infection from your medication. It will need to be treated with an antibiotic. 4. Be sure to brush your teeth and floss daily. Good oral hygiene will treat this problem.

34. Which of the following health promotion activities should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan for a client with asthma? 1. Incorporate physical exercise as tolerated into the treatment plan. 2. Monitor peak flow numbers after meals and at bedtime. 3. Eliminate stressors in the work and home environment 4. Use sedatives to ensure uninterrupted sleep at night. 35. The client with asthma should be taught that which of the following is one of the most common precipitating factors of an acute asthma attack? 1. Occupational exposure to toxins 2. Viral respiratory infections 3. Exposure to cigarette smoke 4. Exercising in cold temperatures 36. A female client comes into the emergency room complaining of SOB and pain in the lung area. She states that she started taking birth control pills 3 weeks ago and that she smokes. Her VS are: 140/80, P 110, R 40. The physician orders ABGs, results are as follows: pH: 7.50; PaCO2 29 mm Hg; PaO2 60 mm Hg; HCO3- 24 mEq/L; SaO2 86%. Considering these results, the first intervention is to: 1. Begin mechanical ventilation 2. Place the client on oxygen 3. Give the client sodium bicarbonate 4. Monitor for pulmonary embolism. 37. Basilar crackles are present in a clients lungs on auscultation. The nurse knows that these are discrete, non continuous sounds that are: 1. Caused by the sudden opening of alveoli 2. Usually more prominent during expiration 3. Produced by airflow across passages narrowed by secretions 4. Found primarily in the pleura. 38. A cyanotic client with an unknown diagnosis is admitted to the E.R. In relation to oxygen, the first nursing action would be to: 1. Wait until the clients lab work is done. 2. Not administer oxygen unless ordered by the physician. 3. Administer oxygen at 2 L flow per minute. 4. Administer oxygen at 10 L flow per minute and check the clients nail beds. 39. Immediately following a thoracentesis, which clinical manifestations indicate that a complication has occurred and the physician should be notified?

1. Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site 2. Increased temperature and blood pressure 3. Increased pulse and pallor 4. Hypotension and hypothermia 40. If a client continues to hypoventilate, the nurse will continually assess for a complication of: 1. Respiratory acidosis 2. Respiratory alkalosis 3. Metabolic acidosis 4. Metabolic alkalosis 41. A client is admitted to the hospital with acute bronchitis. While taking the clients VS, the nurse notices he has an irregular pulse. The nurse understands that cardiac arrhythmias in chronic respiratory distress are usually the result of: 1. Respiratory acidosis 2. A build-up of carbon dioxide 3. A build-up of oxygen without adequate expelling of carbon dioxide. 4. An acute respiratory infection. 42. Auscultation of a clients lungs reveals crackles in the left posterior base. The nursing intervention is to: 1. Repeat auscultation after asking the client to deep breathe and cough. 2. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2000 ml/day. 3. Inspect the clients ankles and sacrum for the presence of edema 4. Place the client on bedrest in a semi-Fowlers position. 43. The most reliable index to determine the respiratory status of a client is to: 1. Observe the chest rising and falling 2. Observe the skin and mucous membrane color. 3. Listen and feel the air movement. 4. Determine the presence of a femoral pulse. 44. A client with COPD has developed secondary polycythemia. Which nursing diagnosis would be included in the plan of care because of the polycythemia? 1. Fluid volume deficit related to blood loss. 2. Impaired tissue perfusion related to thrombosis 3. Activity intolerance related to dyspnea 4. Risk for infection related to suppressed immune response.

45. The physician has scheduled a client for a left pneumonectomy. The position that will most likely be ordered postoperatively for his is the: 1. Nonoperative side or back 2. Operative side or back 3. Back only 4. Back or either side. 46. Assessing a client who has developed atelectasis postoperatively, the nurse will most likely find: 1. A flushed face 2. Dyspnea and pain 3. Decreased temperature 4. Severe cough and no pain. 47. A fifty-year-old client has a tracheostomy and requires tracheal suctioning. The first intervention in completing this procedure would be to: 1. Change the tracheostomy dressing 2. Provide humidity with a trach mask 3. Apply oral or nasal suction 4. Deflate the tracheal cuff 48. A client states that the physician said the tidal volume is slightly diminished and asks the nurse what this means. The nurse explains that the tidal volume is the amount of air: 1. Exhaled forcibly after a normal expiration 2. Exhaled after there is a normal inspiration 3. Trapped in the alveoli that cannot be exhaled 4. Forcibly inspired over and above a normal respiration. 49. An acceleration in oxygen dissociation from hemoglobin, and thus oxygen delivery to the tissues, is caused by: 1. A decreasing oxygen pressure in the blood 2. An increasing carbon dioxide pressure in the blood 3. A decreasing oxygen pressure and/or an increasing carbon dioxide pressure in the blood. 4. An increasing oxygen pressure and/or a decreasing carbon dioxide pressure in the blood. 50. The best method of oxygen administration for client with COPD uses: 1. Cannula 2. Simple Face mask

3. Non rebreather mask 4. Venturi mask

Answers and Rationale

1. Answer: 3. Aminophylline is a bronchodilator that directly relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchial airway. 2. Answer: 4. Side effects that can occur from a beta 2 agonist include tremors, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, tachycardia, peripheral vasodilation, and dryness of the mouth or throat. 3. Answer: 3. The client should be instructed to hold his or her breath at least 10 to 15 seconds before exhaling the mist. 4. Answer: 1. The most important item to ask about is the clients pregnancy status because pregnant women should not be exposed to radiation. Clients are also asked to remove any chains or metal objects that could interfere with obtaining an adequate film. A chest radiograph most often is done at full inspiration, which gives optimal lung expansion. If a lateral view of the chest is ordered, the client is asked to raise the arms above the head. Most films are done in posterioranterior view. 5. Answer: 2. After bronchoscopy, the nurse keeps the client on NPO status until the gag reflex returns because the preoperative sedation and the local anesthesia impair swallowing and the protective laryngeal reflexes for a number of hours. Additional fluids is unnecessary because no contrast dye is used that would need to be flushed from the system. Atropine and Versed would be administered before the procedure, not after. 6. Answer: 2. Before drawing an ABG, the nurse assesses the collateral circulation to the hand with Allens test. This involves compressing the radial and ulnar arteries and asking the client to close and open the fist. This should cause the hand to become pale. The nurse then releases pressure on one artery and observes whether circulation is restored quickly. The nurse repeats the process, releasing the other artery. The blood sample may be taken safely if collateral circulation is adequate. 7. Answer: 2. The client with emphysema has hyperinflation of the alveoli and flattening of the diaphragm. These lead to increased anteroposterior diameter, which is referred to as barrel chest. The client also has dyspnea with prolonged expiration and has hyperresonant lungs to percussion. 8. Answer: 4. Benzonatate is a locally acting antitussive the effectiveness of which is measured by the degree to which it decreases the intensity and frequency of cough without eliminating the cough reflex.

9. Answer: 4. A client recovering from an URI should report decreasing or no nasal discharge and obstruction. Daily fluid intake should be increase to more than 1 L every 24 hours to liquefy secretions. The temperature should be below 100*F (37.8*C) with no chills or diaphoresis. A productive cough with chest pain indicated pulmonary infection, not an URI. 10. Answer: 3. Individuals who are household members or home care providers for high-risk individuals are high-priority targeted groups for immunization against influenza to prevent transmission to those who have a decreased capacity to deal with the disease. The wife who is caring for a husband with cancer has the highest priority of the clients described. 11. Answer: 4. It is important for clients with allergic rhinitis to determine the precipitating factors so that they can be avoided. Keeping a diary can help identify these triggers. Nasal decongestant sprays should not be used regularly because they can cause a rebound effect. Antibiotics are not appropriate. Increasing activity will not control the clients symptoms; in fact, walking outdoors may increase them if the client is allergic to pollen. 12. Answer: 1. Pneumonia is the most common complication of influenza, especially in the elderly. The development of a purulent cough and crackles may be indicative of a bacterial infection are not consistent with a diagnosis of influenza. These findings are not indicative of dehydration. Decongestants and bronchodilators are not typically prescribed for the flu. 13. Answer: 2 14. Answer: 4. Side effects of pseudoephedrine are experienced primarily in the cardiovascular system and through sympathetic effects on the CNS. The most common CNS effects include restlessness, dizziness, tension, anxiety, insomnia, and weakness. Common cardiovascular side effects include tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations, and arrhythmias. Constipation and diplopia are not side effects of pseudoephedrine. Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is a side effect of pseudoephedrine. 15. Answer: 1. The clients problem is altered nutritionspecifically, less than required. The cause, as stated by the client, is the fatigue associated with the disease process. Activity intolerance is a likely diagnosis but is not related to the clients nutritional problems. Weight loss is not a nursing diagnosis. Ineffective breathing pattern may be a problem, but this diagnosis does not specifically address the problem of weight loss described by the client. 16. Answer: 1. A client with COPD is at high risk for development of respiratory infections. COPD is a slowly progressive; therefore, maintaining current status and establishing a goal that the client will require less supplemental oxygen are unrealistic expectations. Treatment may slow progression of the disease, but permanent improvement is highly unlikely. 17. Answer: 4. Increasing dyspnea on exertion indicates that the client may be experiencing complications of COPD, and therefore the physician should be notified. Extracting promises from clients is not an outcome criterion. Pain is not a common symptom of COPD. Clients with

COPD use low-flow oxygen supplementation (1 to 2 L/minute) to avoid suppressing the respiratory drive, which, for these clients, is stimulated by hypoxia. 18. Answer: 1. Increased anteroposterior chest diameter is characteristic of advanced COPD. Air is trapped in the overextended alveoli, and the ribs are fixed in an inspiratory position. The result is the typical barrel-chested appearance. Overly developed, not underdeveloped, neck muscles are associated with COPD because of their increased use in the work of breathing. Distended, not collapsed, neck veins are associated with COPD as a symptom of the heart failure that the client may experience secondary to the increased workload on the heart to pump into pulmonary vasculature. Diminished, not increased, chest excursion is associated with COPD. 19. Answer: 4. Pursed lip breathing prolongs exhalation and prevents air trapping in the alveoli, thereby promoting carbon dioxide elimination. By prolonged exhalation and helping the client relax, pursed-lip breathing helps the client learn to control the rate and depth of respiration. Pursed-lip breathing does not promote the intake of oxygen, strengthen the diaphragm, or strengthen intercostal muscles. 20. Answer: 1. A priority goal for the client with COPD is to manage the s/s of the disease process so as to maintain the clients functional ability. Chest pain is not a typical sign of COPD. The carbon dioxide concentration in the blood is increased to an abnormal level in clients with COPD; it would not be a goal to increase the level further. Preventing infection would be a goal of care for the client with COPD. 21. Answer: 2. The high PaCO2 level causes flushing due to vasodilation. The client also becomes drowsy and lethargic because carbon dioxide has a depressant effect on the CNS. Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxia. Irritability and anxiety are not common with a PaCO2 level of 65 mm Hg but are associated with hypoxia. 22. Answer: 2. Exhaling requires less energy than inhaling. Therefore, lifting while exhaling saves energy and reduced perceived dyspnea. Pursing the lips prolongs exhalation and provides the client with more control over breathing. Lifting after exhalation but before inhaling is similar to lifting with the breath held. This should not be recommended because it is similar to the Valsalva maneuver, which can stimulate cardiac dysrhythmias. 23. Answer: 3. Right-sided heart failure is a complication of COPD that occurs because of pulmonary hypertension. Signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure include peripheral edema, jugular venous distention, hepatomegaly, and weight gain due to increased fluid volume. Clubbing of nail beds is associated with conditions of chronic hypoxia. Hypertension is associated with left-sided heart failure. Clients with heart failure have decreased appetites. 24. Answer: 4. Exacerbations of COPD are frequently caused by respiratory infections. Coarse crackles and rhonchi would be auscultated as air moves through airways obstructed with secretions. In COPD, breath sounds are diminished because of an enlarged antero-posterior diameter of the chest. Expiration, not inspiration, becomes prolonged. Chest movement is decreased as lungs become overdistended.

25. Answer: 1. As COPD progresses, the client typically develops increased PaCO2 levels and decreased PaO2 levels. This results in decreased pH and decreased oxygen saturation. These changes are the result of air trapping and hypoventilation. 26. Answer: 4. The client should eat high-calorie, high-protein meals to maintain nutritional status and prevent weight loss that results from the increased work of breathing. The client should be encouraged to eat small, frequent meals. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is indicated for clients with coronary artery disease. The client with COPD does not necessarily need to follow a sodium-restricted diet, unless otherwise medically indicated. 27. Answer: 1. The goal of effective coughing is to conserve energy, facilitate removal of secretions, and minimize airway collapse. The client should assume a sitting position with feet on the floor if possible. The client should bend forward slightly and, using pursed-lip breathing, exhale. After resuming an upright position, the client should use abdominal breathing to slowly and deeply inhale. After repeating this process 3 or 4 times, the client should take a deep abdominal breath, bend forward and cough 3 or 4 times upon exhalation (huff cough). Lying flat does not enhance lung expansion; sitting upright promotes full expansion of the thorax. Shallow breathing does not facilitate removal of secretions, and forceful coughing promotes collapse of airways. A side-lying position does not allow for adequate chest expansion to promote deep breathing. 28. Answer: 4. In an acute asthma attack, diminished or absent breath sounds can be an ominous sign of indicating lack of air movement in the lungs and impending respiratory failure. The client requires immediate intervention with inhaled bronchodilators, intravenous corticosteroids, and possibly intravenous theophylline. Administering oxygen and reassessing the client 10 minutes later would delay needed medical intervention, as would drawing an ABG and obtaining a chest x-ray. It would be futile to encourage the client to relax and breathe slowly without providing necessary pharmacologic intervention. 29. Answer: 2. As the severe asthma attack worsens, the client becomes fatigued and alveolar hypotension develops. This leads to carbon dioxide retention and hypoxemia. The client develops respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the PaCO2 level increase, the PaO2 level decreases, and the pH decreases, indicating acidosis. 30. Answer: 3. Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory effect and act to decrease edema in the bronchial airways and decrease mucus secretion. Corticosteroids do not have a bronchodilator effect, act as expectorants, or prevent respiratory infections. 31. Answer: 1 and 4. 32. Answer: 1. Irregular heart rates should be reported promptly to the care provider. Metaproterenol may cause irregular heartbeat, tachycardia, or anginal pain because of its adrenergic effect on the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. It is not recommended for use in clients with known cardiac disorders. Metaproterenol does not cause constipation, petal edema, or bradycardia.

33. Answer: 3. Use of oral inhalant corticosteroids, such as flunisolide, can lead to the development of oral thrush, a fungal infection. Once developed, thrush must be treated by antibiotic therapy; it will not resolve on its own. Fungal infections can develop even without overuse of the Corticosteroid inhaler. Although good oral hygiene can help prevent development of a fungal infection, it cannot be used alone to treat the problem. 34. Answer: 1. Physical exercise is beneficial and should be incorporated as tolerated into the clients schedule. Peak flow numbers should be monitored daily, usually in the morning (before taking medication). Peak flow does not need to be monitored after each meal. Stressors in the clients life should be modified but cannot be totally eliminated. Although adequate sleep is important, it is not recommended that sedatives be routinely taken to induce sleep. 35. Answer: 2. The most common precipitator of asthma attacks is viral respiratory infection. Clients with asthma should avoid people who have the flu or a cold and should get yearly flu vaccinations. Environmental exposure to toxins or heavy particulate matter can trigger asthma attacks; however, far fewer asthmatics are exposed to such toxins than are exposed to viruses. Cigarette smoke can also trigger asthma attacks, but to a lesser extent than viral respiratory infections. Some asthmatic attacks are triggered by exercising in cold weather. 36. Answer: 2. The pH (7.50) reflects alkalosis, and the low PaCO2 indicated the lungs are involved. The client should immediately be placed on oxygen via mask so that the SaO2 is brought up to 95%. Encourage slow, regular breathing to decrease the amount of CO2 she is losing. This client may have pulmonary embolism, so she should be monitored for this condition (4), but it is not the first intervention. Sodium bicarbonate (3) would be given to reverse acidosis; mechanical ventilation (1) may be ordered for acute respiratory acidosis. 37. Answer: 1. Basilar crackles are usually heard during inspiration and are caused by sudden opening of the alveoli. 38. Answer: 3. Administer oxygen at 2 L/minute and no more, for if the client if emphysemic and receives too high a level of oxygen, he will develop CO2 narcosis and the respiratory system will cease to function. 39. Answer: 3. Increased pulse and pallor are symptoms associated with shock. A compromised venous return may occur if there is a mediastinal shift as a result of excessive fluid removal. Usually no more than 1 L of fluid is removed at one time to prevent this from occurring. 40. Answer: 1. Respiratory acidosis represents an increase in the acid component, carbon dioxide, and an increase in the hydrogen ion concentration (decreased pH) of the arterial blood. 41. Answer: 2. The arrhythmias are caused by a build-up of carbon dioxide and not enough oxygen so that the heart is in a constant state of hypoxia. 42. Answer: 1. Although crackles often indicate fluid in the alveoli, they may also be related to hypoventilation and will clear after a deep breath or a cough. It is, therefore, premature to impose

fluid (2) or activity (4) restrictions (which Margaret would totally do if Dani werent there to smack her). Inspection for edema (3) would be appropriate after re-auscultation. 43. Answer: 3. To check for breathing, the nurse places her ear and cheek next to the clients mouth and nose to listen and feel for air movement. The chest rising and falling (1) is not conclusive of a patent airway. Observing skin color (2) is not an accurate assessment of respiratory status, nor is checking the femoral pulse. 44. Answer: 2. Chronic hypoxia associated with COPD may stimulate excessive RBC production (polycythemia). This results in increased blood viscosity and the risk of thrombosis. The other nursing diagnoses are not applicable in this situation. 45. Answer: 2. Positioning the client on the operative side facilitates the accumulation of serosanguineous fluid. The fluid forms a solid mass, which prevents the remaining lung from being drawn into the space. 46. Answer: 2. Atelectasis is a collapse of the alveoli due to obstruction or hypoventilation. Clients become short of breath, have a high temperature, and usually experience severe pain but do not have a severe cough (4). The shortness of breath is a result of decreased oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange at the alveolar level. 47. Answer: 3. Before deflating the tracheal cuff (4), the nurse will apply oral or nasal suction to the airway to prevent secretions from falling into the lung. Dressing change (1) and humidity (2) do not relate to suctioning. 48. Answer: 2. Tidal volume (TV) is defined as the amount of air exhaled after a normal inspiration. 49. Answer: 3. The lower the PO2 and the higher the PCO2, the more rapidly oxygen dissociated from the oxy-hemoglobin molecule. 50. Answer: 1.