NCLEX Oxygenation Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What intervention should a nurse provide to facilitate effective coughing in a postoperative patient?
• In an acute COPD exacerbation, the arterial blood gas typically shows which combination?
• Which sputum characteristics are commonly associated with bacterial pneumonia?
• Why should clients on long-term oxygen avoid petroleum-based ointments?
• What symptom is most characteristic of a pulmonary embolism?
• What is the immediate action if a chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system?
• A patient with diffuse bilateral infiltrates and severe hypoxemia most likely has which syndrome?
• What is atelectasis?
• Which breath sound indicates alveolar fluid?
• What is the primary disorder indicated by ABGs: pH 7.25, PaCO₂ 70, HCO₃⁻ 28?
• In an acute COPD exacerbation, what arterial blood gas trend would you typically expect?
• Which protective equipment is essential for healthcare workers when TB is suspected?
• Adhesive atelectasis is primarily caused by a deficiency of which substance?
• Which medication class is first-line for an acute asthma attack?
• What is a common postoperative cause of atelectasis?
• In a patient with pneumonia, which chest assessment findings are most common over the affected area?
• Which Venturi mask color code corresponds to 28% FiO₂?
• Which device is capable of delivering up to 100% FiO₂ at high flow rates?
• What change in vital signs typically accompanies improved oxygenation?
• What does an end-tidal CO2 reading of 10 mmHg suggest?
• Which statement about incentive spirometry is correct?
• In a healthy adult, what is the normal arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) range?
• What might cause CO2 retention in a patient receiving 100% oxygen?
• What misleading pulse oximetry reading might occur in carbon monoxide poisoning?
• Which finding is most characteristic of pleural effusion compared with pneumonia?
• Which factor does NOT contribute to atelectasis?
• Which finding suggests a pneumothorax on exam?
• Which finding is most consistent with chronic hypoxia due to long-standing lung disease?
• ABG interpretation: pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3- 24. What is the primary disorder?
• What nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a client with shallow respirations due to pain?
• Which arterial blood gas value would indicate good oxygenation?
• What is the normal range for PaCO2?
• What is a key initial management step to enable deep breathing and coughing in a patient at risk for atelectasis?
• If pH is low and PaCO2 is high on ABG, which acid-base disturbance is most likely?
• Which intervention is effective in clearing secretions associated with atelectasis?
• What is the primary purpose of suctioning a patient with an endotracheal tube?
• Which statement is most accurate regarding atelectasis prevention?
• In ABG interpretation, which pattern defines metabolic alkalosis?
• What is the primary purpose of incentive spirometry after thoracic or abdominal surgery?
• Which patient is at highest risk for developing atelectasis?
• Which sign is a late, life-threatening sign of a tension pneumothorax?
• A pneumothorax typically presents with which percussion finding?
• Which imaging modality can provide more detail than a chest X-ray when evaluating ARDS progression?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of suctioning in an endotracheal tube?
• What is the primary purpose of a chest tube in pneumothorax management?
• Ipratropium is an anticholinergic used in COPD. Which choice best describes its mechanism of action?
• What advantage does high-flow nasal cannula provide over a standard nasal cannula?
• ABG: pH 7.28, PaCO2 60, HCO3- 26. What is the primary disorder?
• What sign indicates hypercapnic respiratory failure in a patient with COPD?
• What do X-ray findings in atelectasis typically show?
• Which finding best indicates worsening respiratory status?
• Which exam finding is typical for COPD due to hyperinflation?
• Which action is part of nursing responsibilities with a non-rebreather mask?
• What is a unique feature of the non-rebreather mask?
• Which chest physiotherapy techniques are used to mobilize pulmonary secretions?
• Incentive spirometry after thoracic or abdominal surgery is primarily used to prevent atelectasis.
• Which nursing responsibilities apply to a nasal cannula?
• Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise FiO2?
• Why do clients with COPD use accessory muscles during breathing?
• What is the correct technique for using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer to maximize drug delivery?
• What physical assessment finding indicates a large pleural effusion?
• Which measurement is used along with hemoglobin to estimate arterial oxygen content (CaO2)?
• Which arterial blood gas pattern indicates metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation?
• How does a partial rebreather mask work?
• In a water-seal chest tube system, tidaling indicates the system is communicating with the pleural space. Which statement is true about tidaling?
• Clubbing of the fingers is most often an indicator of?
• Which clinical sign indicates increased work of breathing and the need for assessment?
• Which intervention is most effective for preventing postoperative atelectasis?
• What ABG pattern is expected in a patient with chronic CO₂ retention?
• On chest radiograph, what distance above the carina is appropriate for the endotracheal tube tip?
• In a patient with COPD, what is the recommended target oxygen saturation range to minimize CO2 retention?
• Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise and adjustable FiO2 for general care settings?
• What is the function of the cuff on an endotracheal tube?
• What FiO₂ can a non-rebreather mask deliver?
• When analyzing ABG, how do you differentiate respiratory from metabolic causes?
• What is the most important action when suctioning an artificial airway?
• Why is the SpO2 target range of 88-92% typically used for COPD patients on long-term oxygen therapy?
• Which arterial blood gas value is most directly used to assess ventilation status?
• Which assessment finding most strongly increases suspicion for tension pneumothorax?
• For atelectasis caused by a mucus plug, which intervention directly removes the plug?
• Left lower-lobe consolidation on chest X-ray most likely indicates which condition?
• End-tidal CO2 monitoring primarily provides information about ventilation.
• What FiO₂ range is delivered by a nasal cannula at 1-6 L/min?
• Perfusion without ventilation in atelectasis contributes to which physiologic finding?
• What is considered the most significant risk factor for developing a pulmonary embolism?
• ABG shows pH 7.32, PaCO2 54 mmHg, HCO3⁻ 26 mEq/L. What is the most likely acid-base disorder?
• What is a nursing responsibility when using a partial rebreather mask?
• What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with atelectasis?
• For a patient with COPD on long-term oxygen therapy, what SpO2 target range is typically recommended to minimize CO2 retention?
• When using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler, how long should you wait between puffs?
• Which radiographic sign indicates atelectasis?
• Which interventions help prevent atelectasis during oxygen therapy?
• What is the best indicator of oxygen delivery to tissues?
• Which oxygen target is appropriate for COPD patients?
• Which instruction reflects proper use of incentive spirometry?
• In mechanical ventilation, what does weaning mean?
• In a patient with a chest tube connected to a water-seal, what finding suggests a leak or disconnection and requires assessment?
• Which clinical finding is most consistent with right-sided heart failure secondary to chronic hypoxia?
• What are early signs of atelectasis?
• What is an expected physiologic benefit of CPAP therapy for pulmonary edema?
• In chronic CO₂ retention, which acid-base disturbance is typically observed?
• Which ABG pattern defines metabolic alkalosis?
• Adequate analgesia in patients at risk for atelectasis primarily helps by enabling which of the following?
• What is the best strategy for weaning a client from oxygen with SpO₂ of 92%?
• Which phenomenon describes perfusion without ventilation in atelectasis, leading to a right-to-left shunt?
• Which action would indicate an air leak remains in the chest tube system?
• In ABG interpretation, a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 28 mmHg, and HCO3- 12 mEq/L indicates what pattern?
• Which statement best describes the difference between wheezes and crackles on auscultation?
• Which nursing intervention is NOT part of atelectasis prevention?
• Which statement best describes the action of ipratropium in COPD management?
• Which percussion note suggests pneumothorax?
• Which radiographic finding indicates malposition requiring repositioning of the endotracheal tube?
• Which intervention is most effective to reverse atelectasis after surgery?
• In a patient with a chest tube, persistent bubbling in the water-seal chamber that is not synchronized with respiration suggests what?
• Humidification considerations for nasal cannula flow rates
• What diagnostic approach should be pursued urgently for suspected pulmonary embolism?
• Which statement best describes a preventive measure for atelectasis in the postoperative period?
• Which option best describes a management measure specifically for mucus plug–related atelectasis?
• What is the significance of expiratory wheezes in a patient with asthma?
• A patient on high FiO2 develops a nonproductive cough, substernal chest pain, and crackles; these are early signs of what complication?
• What immediate action should a nurse take for a patient with SpO₂ of 88%?
• Which action is most effective immediately after surgery to prevent alveolar collapse?
• What diagnostic test is most definitive for suspected pulmonary embolism?
• Inhaled corticosteroids used in asthma management work primarily by which mechanism?
• ABG interpretation: pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3- 30. What is the primary disorder?
• Which chest exam findings differentiate pleural effusion from pneumonia?
• What sign is most specific for impending respiratory failure?
• What is the primary risk if a nonrebreather mask's one-way valve is stuck closed?
• An SpO2 value that requires immediate assessment in adults is closest to:
• What infection control precaution is required for suspected active tuberculosis?
• Which ABG pattern best indicates metabolic alkalosis?
• A chest X-ray shows a left lower-lobe consolidation. Which condition is most likely?
• Humidification is important for patients on oxygen therapy to prevent which issue?
• Which statement describes a limitation of pulse oximetry in carbon monoxide exposure?
• Before suctioning an intubated patient, what is a key nursing action to prevent hypoxemia?
• What does pH 7.48 and PaCO2 30 mmHg indicate?
• What is the first intervention for a client with asthma experiencing wheezing?
• Which statement describes nursing responsibilities with a Venturi mask?
• Which imaging modality is most useful for assessing progression of ARDS?
• In suspected pulmonary embolism, which describes the role of D-dimer testing?
• What should a nurse check if continuous bubbling is observed in a chest tube drainage system?
• What does a chest X-ray showing lobar atelectasis with mediastinal shift indicate?
• Which device delivers the highest concentration of oxygen?
• What is the recommended cuff pressure range for an endotracheal tube to prevent tracheal injury?
• Define hypoxemia in ABG terms.
• What distinguishes a non-rebreather mask from a partial rebreather mask?
• Why should suction time be limited during suctioning?
• Which oxygen delivery device is preferred for patients with COPD who require precise oxygen concentrations?
• Which arterial blood gas change would indicate improved oxygenation after therapy?
• Why should FiO2 be titrated to the lowest level in COPD patients on long-term therapy?
• What is the primary purpose of chest physiotherapy in atelectasis management?
• What nursing action reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
• An ABG with pH 7.29 and PaCO2 55 mmHg indicates which pattern?
• Which finding makes noninvasive ventilation (BiPAP) inappropriate?
• What is the primary function of a Venturi mask?
• Which action helps prevent nasal dryness when a patient uses nasal cannula oxygen?
• After major surgery, what risk increases for a patient with shallow breathing?
• Ipratropium, used in COPD management, primarily achieves bronchodilation by which mechanism?
• Endotracheal tube cuff pressure range to prevent tracheal injury is within which of the following?
• Which exam finding demonstrates hyperinflation in COPD?
• Why is the SpO2 target lower for COPD patients?
• Why should oxygen therapy in COPD be titrated to the lowest FiO2 that maintains target SpO2?
• Which measure helps prevent nasal mucosa dryness for a patient on nasal cannula oxygen?
• Which action is most effective in preventing atelectasis after surgery?
• Which statement best describes the Venturi mask?
• Which radiographic finding is most consistent with atelectasis?
• Which statement about pulse oximetry is correct?
• What intervention is appropriate for a client receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 5 L/min?
• In ARDS, what type of atelectasis is most likely present?
• Which medication class is first-line for an acute asthma attack?
• Which ABG value represents oxygenation rather than ventilation?
• Which Venturi mask color adapter delivers approximately 40% FiO₂ (10-12 L/min)?
• What essential teaching point should a nurse provide to a client using oxygen at home?
• What is alveolar gas exchange?
• Which test is most definitive for pulmonary embolism?
• What is the initial intervention for a child with croup exhibiting stridor?
• Which finding most strongly suggests early hypoxemia in a hospitalized adult?
• What is the best rationale for using a Venturi mask?
• What is the purpose of a Venturi mask?
• What are later signs of atelectasis?
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome is best described as which of the following?
• ABG: pH 7.52, PaCO2 38, HCO3- 34. What is the primary disorder?
• Which objective data best supports improvement in a patient’s oxygenation?
• Which lab value should be monitored for a client on mechanical ventilation to assess for ventilator-associated hypercapnia?
• Which mechanism explains hypoxemia in atelectasis?
• What causes sudden bradycardia during tracheostomy suctioning?
• What is the preferred fluid management strategy in ARDS to minimize pulmonary edema while maintaining perfusion?
• What does HCO3- relate to in arterial blood gas analysis?
• Which spirometry pattern confirms an obstructive disorder?
• Which nursing responsibilities apply to a simple face mask?
• What is the minimum flow rate for a simple face mask?