6 Respiratory Nursing Priorities Online Quiz Questions

Respiratory failure may impair oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, or both. True or false?

A patient with COPD has a prescribed oxygen saturation target of 88–92%. What is the upper boundary of the target, expressed as a percentage?

A patient admitted with pneumonia is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula. Their respiratory rate rises from 22 to 34/min, they begin using accessory muscles, and they answer questions slowly. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Which findings can indicate respiratory deterioration? Select all that apply.

Oxygen alone corrects inadequate ventilation in a patient who is hypoventilating after receiving an opioid. True or false?

A mechanically ventilated patient is visibly distressed, and their SpO₂ is falling as the high-pressure alarm sounds. What should the nurse do first?

A patient receiving high-flow nasal oxygen remains below the prescribed SpO₂ target while respiratory effort and confusion worsen. What immediate action is needed?

After applying and titrating prescribed oxygen for a patient with COPD, which findings should the nurse reassess to evaluate the patient’s response? Select all that apply.

A patient with a tracheostomy has sudden respiratory distress and reduced airflow through the tube. What is the nurse’s priority?

A patient becomes increasingly drowsy after receiving an opioid. The ABG is pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 60 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L. Interpret the ABG and describe the priority nursing response.

A patient with COPD has an SpO₂ of 84% on room air and a prescribed oxygen target of 88–92%. Which action is most appropriate?

If a patient worsens despite receiving a higher level of oxygen delivery, the nurse should continue reassessing and escalate promptly rather than allowing the device to delay further support. True or false?

For most hospitalized adults other than those with COPD, what is the lower limit of the recommended SpO₂ range?

Which named sign, alongside increasing work of breathing and altered consciousness, is identified as concerning in respiratory failure? Enter the clinical term.

A patient with COPD has an SpO₂ of 84% on room air and a prescribed target of 88–92%. Which action and follow-up are most appropriate?

A mechanically ventilated patient is visibly distressed, the high-pressure alarm is sounding, and SpO₂ is falling. What should the nurse do first?

A patient with a tracheostomy develops sudden respiratory distress, reduced airflow through the tube, and visible thick secretions. What is the priority action?

A patient with acute hypoxemia is receiving high-flow nasal oxygen. Which finding most strongly indicates that the patient is not stabilizing and needs urgent escalation?