1 Respiratory Assessment and Oxygenation Online Quiz Questions

True or false: ABG reference ranges can vary slightly by laboratory, so results should be interpreted alongside the patient’s condition and prescribed oxygen target.

True or false: Supplemental oxygen by itself is sufficient to correct inadequate ventilation when ventilatory support is needed.

Which statement best distinguishes oxygenation from ventilation?

An ABG shows $pH=7.29$, $\mathrm{PaCO_2}=58\ \mathrm{mm\,Hg}$, and $\mathrm{HCO_3^-}=25\ \mathrm{mEq/L}$. Which interpretation is most accurate?

Which findings belong in a focused respiratory assessment? Select all that apply.

A patient receiving noninvasive ventilation is being reassessed. Which findings suggest that support may be failing and require urgent escalation? Select all that apply.

Which patient should the nurse assess first?

A patient with pneumonia becomes restless and confused. The respiratory rate is 32/min, accessory muscles are in use, and oxygen saturation is falling despite supplemental oxygen. Explain what these findings indicate and describe the nurse’s immediate priorities.

A single oxygen saturation reading should be interpreted independently of the patient’s condition and the trend in measurements.

A patient’s arterial blood gas on room air shows $\mathrm{PaO_2}=54\ \mathrm{mm\,Hg}$. Which problem does this finding most directly indicate?

An arterial blood gas shows elevated $\mathrm{PaCO_2}$. What clinical term describes abnormally high carbon dioxide in the blood?

A mechanically ventilated patient’s high-pressure alarm sounds. What should the nurse do first?

A patient is using neck and chest muscles beyond the usual muscles of breathing to inhale. What respiratory assessment finding should the nurse document?

An ABG shows $\mathrm{pH}=7.30$, $\mathrm{PaCO_2}=40\ \mathrm{mm\,Hg}$, and $\mathrm{HCO_3^-}=19\ \mathrm{mEq/L}$. Which primary acid-base disturbance is supported by the low pH and bicarbonate?

An unresponsive patient has gurgling respirations and cannot clear secretions. What is the most appropriate immediate nursing priority?

A patient receiving noninvasive ventilation becomes increasingly drowsy, cannot protect the airway, and has worsening respiratory distress. What should the nurse do?

An adult’s ABG shows HCO₃⁻ of 25 mEq/L. Using the typical adult reference interval of about 22–26 mEq/L, does this value alone indicate a substantial metabolic compensation?

A ventilated patient is breathing, and a high-pressure alarm sounds. The patient is not coughing or biting the tube, and there are no signs of secretions. What circuit problem should the nurse check for?