Respiratory System Practice Test 1
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Test
Respiratory System, within the NCLEX test plan under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations, reflects the core knowledge domains and conceptual competencies directly related to what the exam evaluates. The targeted number of questions is 50; designed with realistic clinical scenarios and conceptual variety to help you identify both your strengths and improvement areas.
This test is the 1st part of the Respiratory System section. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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In the Respiratory System Study Cards section, shared by real NCLEX candidates, you’ll find concise summaries and high-yield insights related to the most tested concepts. It’s a perfect space to reinforce challenging topics and sharpen your recall through quick, focused repetitions. Short, powerful, and repeatable!
Respiratory System Practice Test 1
What is the appropriate oxygen saturation range for patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure?
- 88% to 92%
- 94% to 98%
- 100%
- 80% to 85%
Explanation: Answer reason:Patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure (especially COPD patients with chronic CO₂ retention) should have oxygen titrated to an SpO₂ range of 88%–92%. Higher saturations can suppress hypoxic drive and worsen CO₂ retention, leading to respiratory acidosis.
Asthma is a disease of?
- Liver
- Lungs
- Kidney
- Stomach
Explanation: Answer reason:Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs, characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, bronchoconstriction, and reversible airflow limitation. The pathology primarily affects the bronchi and bronchioles.
Gradual increase in rate and depth of respiration is known as-?
- Hyperventilation
- Hypoventilation
- Kussmaul respiration
- Cheyne-Stokes
Explanation: Answer reason: Cheyne–Stokes respiration shows a crescendo–decrescendo pattern with periods of apnea; the hallmark is a gradual increase in rate and depth followed by a gradual decrease.
The inner pleura cover the lungs and adjoining structures?
- Parietal pleura
- Visceral pleura
- Serous membrane
- Rectal sheath
Explanation: Answer reason: The inner layer of the pleura that directly covers the lungs is the visceral pleura. The parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity; "serous membrane" is a general tissue type; the rectal sheath is unrelated.
Segmental bronchi are also known as?
- Primary bronchi
- Secondary bronchi
- Tertiary bronchi
- Lobar bronchus
Explanation: Answer reason: Airway anatomy: primary = main bronchi; secondary = lobar bronchi; tertiary = segmental bronchi. Therefore, segmental bronchi are the tertiary bronchi.
Which sound is low-pitched, hollow, and heard over normal lung tissue?
- Tympany sound
- Flat sounds
- Dull sounds
- Resonant sounds
Explanation: Answer reason: Normal lung percussion is resonant—low-pitched, clear, and hollow. Tympany is high-pitched and drumlike; dullness suggests consolidation, and flatness occurs over bone or muscle.
Which organ is affected by asthma?
- Liver
- Lungs
- Kidney
Explanation: Answer reason: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in the lungs, not the liver or kidneys.
The region of the lung through which bronchi, pulmonary blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves enter and exit is called?
- Lateral surface
- Costal surface
- Apex
- Hilum
Explanation: Answer reason: The hilum is the entry and exit point of the lung where the bronchi, pulmonary vessels, lymphatics, and nerves pass; the other choices are surfaces or the apex of the lung.
What is the functional unit of the lungs?
- Alveoli
- Acini
- Nephron
- Neuron
Explanation: Answer reason: Alveoli are the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs, making them the functional units of the lungs. Acini are clusters that include alveoli; a nephron is the functional unit of the kidney; a neuron is a nerve cell.
The oblique fissure of the right lung divides the?
- Upper and lower lobes
- Lower and middle lobes
- Upper and middle lobes
- The hilum of the upper lobe of the lung.
Explanation: Answer reason: In the right lung, the oblique fissure separates the lower lobe from both the upper and middle lobes; the horizontal fissure separates the upper from the middle lobe.
Which option describes orthopnea?
- Ability to breathe only in an upright sitting or standing position.
- Difficulty breathing
- Rhythmic waxing and waning of respiration
- Slow breathing
Explanation: Answer reason: Orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when lying flat and is relieved by sitting or standing; thus, the person can breathe comfortably only in an upright position.
What is respiration that is abnormally deep but regular called?
- Cheyne-Stokes respiration
- Hyperventilation
- Kussmaul respiration
- Sighing
Explanation: Answer reason: Kussmaul respirations are abnormally deep, regular breaths typically seen in metabolic acidosis (e.g., DKA). Cheyne-Stokes is a waxing and waning pattern with apnea; hyperventilation refers to an increased ventilation rate or volume but not specifically the regular deep pattern; sighing consists of intermittent deep breaths.
Which of the following substances is found in greater quantities in exhaled air?
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Ozone
Explanation: Answer reason: Gas exchange in the lungs increases CO2 and decreases O2 in exhaled air; nitrogen remains essentially unchanged, and CO and ozone are negligible.
In which conditions are opaque hemithorax X-ray findings seen?
- Lung infection
- Lung cancer
- Diaphragmatic hernia
- Blood in the lungs
Explanation: Answer reason: A complete white-out of one hemithorax can occur with extensive pneumonia causing whole-lung consolidation; this is the most direct cause among the options. Lung cancer usually presents as a mass or with effusion or collapse, diaphragmatic hernia shows air-filled bowel loops, and alveolar hemorrhage is typically diffuse or bilateral rather than a unilateral opaque hemithorax.
Which muscle is not used in forced expiration?
- Diaphragm
- External oblique
- Internal oblique
- Rectus abdominis
- Transversus abdominis
Explanation: Answer reason: Forced expiration is produced by the abdominal muscles (external and internal obliques, rectus abdominis, and transversus abdominis) and the internal intercostals. The diaphragm is primarily an inspiratory muscle and is not used in forced expiration.
What is the normal respiratory rate?
- 12-20 breaths per minute
- 8-12 breaths per minute
- 20-30 breaths per minute
- 30–40 breaths per minute
Explanation: Answer reason: Normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute.
What is the approximate percentage of oxygen in expired air?
- About 16%
- About 21%
- About 10%
- About 5%
Explanation: Answer reason: Inspired air contains about 21% O2; after gas exchange, expired air averages around 16% due to oxygen uptake and added CO2 and water vapor.
Normal anteroposterior versus transverse diameter of the chest is?
- 1:2
- 2:2
- 2:1
- 1:1
Explanation: Answer reason: In a normal adult chest, the anteroposterior diameter is about half of the transverse diameter, giving an AP-to-transverse ratio of 1:2. Ratios approaching 1:1 suggest a barrel chest.
The left lung has ... lobes?
- Four lobes
- Three lobes
- Two lobes
- No lobes.
Explanation: Answer reason: The left lung has two lobes (superior and inferior) because of space taken up by the heart; the right lung has three.
Tachypnea can be caused by?
- Hypoxia
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Normal sleep
- Alcohol
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypoxia stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors, increasing the respiratory rate (tachypnea). Increased intracranial pressure, sleep, and alcohol typically depress respirations or cause them to slow irregularly.
There is a bronchus present for each lobe of the lung?
- Primary bronchi
- Secondary bronchi
- Tertiary bronchi
- Lobar bronchus
Explanation: Answer reason: Each lobe of the lung receives a secondary (lobar) bronchus. Primary bronchi serve each lung, and tertiary bronchi supply the segments.
The trachea receives its blood supply from?
- Superior thyroid
- Inferior thyroid
- Middle thyroid
- Posterior thyroid
Explanation: Answer reason: The cervical trachea is supplied mainly by tracheoesophageal branches of the inferior thyroid arteries; there are no middle or posterior thyroid arteries, and the superior thyroid primarily supplies the thyroid and larynx.
The muscles of the abdominal wall assist the diaphragm during?
- Inspiration
- Expiration
- Digestion
- Aponeurosis
Explanation: Answer reason: During forced expiration, contraction of the abdominal muscles increases intra-abdominal pressure and pushes the diaphragm upward, assisting the expiratory effort. During inspiration, the abdominal wall relaxes.
All of the following respiratory system parameters are decreased during pregnancy except?
- Total lung capacity
- Residual volume
- Expiratory reserve volume
- Vital capacity
Explanation: Answer reason: During pregnancy, diaphragmatic elevation decreases FRC, residual volume, and expiratory reserve volume; total lung capacity may slightly decrease. Vital capacity remains essentially unchanged, so it is the exception.
The nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which associated disorder has changes that are reversible?
- Bronchiectasis
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
Explanation: Answer reason: Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation, whereas emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis involve largely irreversible structural changes.
The primary respiratory center?
- Medulla oblongata
- Pons
- Carotid bodies
- Aortic bodies
Explanation: Answer reason: The medulla oblongata contains the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups, which generate the basic rhythm of breathing. The pons modulates breathing, and the carotid and aortic bodies are peripheral chemoreceptors.
Replenishing the body's oxygen supply and eliminating waste from the blood in the form of carbon dioxide is called?
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Gas diffusion
- Gas Transport
Explanation: Answer reason: Supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide is the function of the respiratory system. The cardiovascular system transports gases, while gas diffusion is just the mechanism at the alveoli, not the overall system.
Asthma is...?
- A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, associated with episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
- A persistent cough that produces sputum and mucus for at least three months each year for two consecutive years.
- Collapse and closure of alveoli, resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange, affecting all or part of the lung.
- Localized irreversible dilation of part of the bronchial tree due to destruction of muscle and elastic tissue
Explanation: Answer reason: Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterized by episodic wheeze, dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough. Option B describes chronic bronchitis, C describes atelectasis, and D describes bronchiectasis.
What is the term for a lack of oxygen in the tissues?
- Hypoxia
- Asphyxia
- Anoxemia
- Cyanosis
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypoxia is decreased oxygen at the tissue level. Asphyxia is suffocation, anoxaemia is low oxygen in the blood, and cyanosis is a bluish discoloration due to deoxygenation.
Cyanosis is caused by a lack of what?
- Lack of water
- Lack of oxygen
- Lack of glucose.
- Lack of blood
Explanation: Answer reason: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration from increased deoxygenated hemoglobin; it occurs when tissue blood is poorly oxygenated.
What is the typical length of the trachea in centimeters?
- 10-12 cm
- 25-30 cm
- 35-45 cm
- 40-45 cm
Explanation: Answer reason: The adult trachea measures about 10–12 cm in length from the larynx to the carina.
Cyanosis is caused by a lack of what?
- Lack of water
- Lack of blood
- Lack of glucose
- Lack of oxygen
Explanation: Answer reason: Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of skin/mucosa due to increased deoxygenated hemoglobin, reflecting insufficient oxygen in the blood.
Cyanosis is caused in the case of?
- Lack of blood
- Lack of water
- Lack of glucose
- Lack of oxygen
Explanation: Answer reason: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration from increased deoxygenated hemoglobin, occurring with hypoxia or lack of oxygen.
When the oxygen supply to the tissue is inadequate, the condition is?
- Dyspnea
- Hypoxia
- Asphyxia
- Apnea
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypoxia is defined as inadequate oxygen supply to tissues. Dyspnea is difficult breathing, asphyxia is severe oxygen deprivation often from obstruction, and apnea is absence of breathing.
What is the removal of an entire lung called?
- Lobectomy
- Pneumonectomy
- Segmental resection
- Wedge resection
Explanation: Answer reason: Complete removal of a lung is a pneumonectomy; lobectomy removes a lobe, while segmental and wedge resections remove smaller portions.
Is the respiratory rate increased?
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Tachypnea
- Bradypnea
Explanation: Answer reason: Tachypnea is the term for an increased respiratory rate; the other options refer to heart rate or decreased breathing.
Which of the following are expected outcomes for a client with pulmonary disease?
- A relatively matched ventilation-to-perfusion ratio.
- A low ventilation-to-perfusion ratio.
- A high ventilation-to-perfusion ratio.
- An equal PaO2:PaCO2 ratio.
Explanation: Answer reason: Normal gas exchange aims for matched ventilation and perfusion; low V/Q indicates shunt and high V/Q indicates dead space. PaO2 should exceed PaCO2, not be equal.
The term 'orthopnea' refers to?
- Increased rate and depth of breathing over a prolonged period of time.
- Difficulty breathing when lying flat.
- A gradual increase in volume and frequency.
- Normal breathing.
Explanation: Answer reason: Orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when the patient is supine and is relieved by sitting or standing.
The chief illness of childhood is?
- Flu
- Common cold
- Measles
- Ear infections
Explanation: Answer reason: Common cold is the most frequent childhood illness (upper respiratory infection), occurring far more often than flu, measles, or otitis media.
The rhythmic waxing and waning of respiration is called?
- Hyperventilation
- Hypoventilation
- Cheyne-Stokes respiration
- Orthopnea
Explanation: Answer reason: Cheyne–Stokes respiration features cyclical crescendo–decrescendo (waxing and waning) tidal volumes followed by periods of apnea.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) can be defined as?
- Sudden life-threatening deterioration of gas exchange in the lungs.
- Non-cardiac pulmonary edema with increasing hypoxemia despite treatment with O2.
- Sudden, life-threatening pulmonary edema that causes deterioration of gas exchange despite treatment with O2.
- None of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: ARDS is characterized by acute, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and refractory hypoxemia due to increased alveolar–capillary permeability; option B captures the non-cardiac origin and hypoxemia despite oxygen therapy.
A disease condition caused by bacteria and characterized by fluid-filled alveoli and inflammation is?
- SARS
- Amyloidosis
- ARDS
- Pneumonia
Explanation: Answer reason: Bacterial pneumonia causes inflammation and consolidation with fluid-filled alveoli. SARS is viral, ARDS is not primarily bacterial, and amyloidosis involves abnormal protein deposition.
During the fibrotic phase of ARDS?
- Fluids shift into the alveoli, the alveoli and bronchi collapse and lose lung compliance.
- The lung starts to repair itself; this is when the patient begins to get better or the condition deteriorates.
- Fibrous tissue forms and the lungs don't expand well; the effort to breathe increases O2 demand, which causes more effort to breathe.
- None of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: The fibrotic phase of ARDS is marked by lung fibrosis and scarring that stiffen the lungs, reduce compliance, and increase the work of breathing—described in option C. Option A reflects the exudative phase; option B reflects the proliferative/repair phase.
Cessation of breathing for a short period is?
- Orthopnea
- Dyspnea
- Apnea
- Bradypnea
Explanation: Answer reason: Apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing. Orthopnea is dyspnea when lying down, dyspnea is difficult breathing, and bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing.
Lack of oxygen in the bloodstream is called?
- Hypoxia
- Anoxemia
- Hypoxaemia
- Cyanosis
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypoxaemia refers to decreased oxygen level in arterial blood. Hypoxia is tissue oxygen deficiency, anoxaemia implies near absence of oxygen, and cyanosis is a bluish discoloration, not the condition itself.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration means?
- Hyperpnea
- Hyperpnoea with apnoea
- Tachypnea
- Normal breathing
Explanation: Answer reason: Cheyne–Stokes respiration is a cyclical pattern of crescendo–decrescendo hyperpnea alternating with periods of apnea.
Which of the following symptoms is common is Asthma?
- Barking cough
- Bradycardia
- Dry productive cough
- Wheezing
Explanation: Answer reason: Wheezing is the hallmark of asthma due to airway narrowing and bronchospasm; barking cough is typical of croup, bradycardia is not characteristic, and a 'dry productive' cough is inconsistent.
Which among the following is a risk factor for pneumonia?
- Seasonal change
- Living in crowded place
- Mosquito
- Malnutrition
Explanation: Answer reason: Malnutrition impairs immune defenses, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Seasonal change and mosquitoes are not direct risk factors; overcrowding increases exposure but malnutrition is the key host risk factor.
A patient admitted in the emergency is having tachypnea with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute. The likely diagnosis is?
- Narcotic overdose
- Raised intracranial pressure
- Pneumonia
- Brain injury
Explanation: Answer reason: Tachypnea (28/min) suggests hypoxia or lung pathology; pneumonia commonly presents with increased respiratory rate. Narcotic overdose typically causes respiratory depression, and raised ICP or brain injury more often lead to irregular or decreased respirations.
The respiratory rate less than 10 breaths/min is termed as?
- Tachypnea
- Bradycardia
- Bradypnea
- Apnea
Explanation: Answer reason: A respiratory rate that is abnormally slow is termed bradypnea; less than 10 breaths per minute fits this definition. Tachypnea is fast breathing, bradycardia is a slow heart rate, and apnea is cessation of breathing.
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