Study 6 Respiratory Failure Practice Questions with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What should you do when respiratory distress and oxygenation worsen?
Confusion, rapid breathing, increased work of breathing, and falling oxygenation signal possible deterioration. Escalate promptly, stay with the patient, and support breathing according to protocol.
What can fading wheezing mean during a severe asthma attack?
Drowsiness, weakening respiratory effort, and barely audible wheezing can mean poor airflow and respiratory muscle fatigue—not recovery. Call for emergency help.
Which findings support considering NIV during an acute COPD exacerbation?
In acute COPD-related respiratory failure, respiratory acidosis, elevated PaCO₂, and increased work of breathing support considering NIV when appropriate.
What conditions matter when considering NIV for acute COPD-related failure?
NIV may be considered if there is no contraindication and the patient can protect their airway. Monitor closely and be ready to escalate if it fails.
When should NIV prompt urgent escalation?
Inability to protect the airway, intolerance, clinical worsening, or NIV failure calls for urgent escalation and possible invasive ventilation.
Which sudden symptom pattern raises concern for pulmonary embolism?
Sudden unexplained shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and a rapid heart rate may indicate pulmonary embolism. Notify the clinical team promptly for urgent assessment.
What should be reassessed in a patient receiving oxygen for acute distress?
Reassess respiratory effort, mental status, oxygen saturation, and the patient's response to support.
What equipment check is important during oxygen therapy?
Check that the oxygen delivery device is correctly positioned and functioning; equipment problems can undermine support.
How should oxygen be titrated during acute respiratory distress?
Titrate oxygen according to the prescribed target and local protocol, and adjust support in response to the patient's condition.
Does improving oxygen saturation prove ventilation is adequate?
No. Oxygen saturation alone does not assess ventilation or rule out carbon dioxide retention.
Which mental-status changes can signal carbon dioxide retention?
New confusion and increasing drowsiness can occur with high carbon dioxide levels and may signal worsening respiratory failure.
What is an immediate nursing priority for pneumonia with low oxygen saturation?
Position the patient upright, assess breathing and oxygenation, and provide oxygen as prescribed or under protocol while further assessment and treatment are arranged.
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